April 2025: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle
Our round-up of unmissable events returns for April
Spring has well and truly sprung in the city, and whether you fancy making the most of the weather, or getting the kids out of the house over the Easter holidays, there’s loads you won’t want to miss out on.
We’re scranning some good grub at Wylam Brewery with Battle of the Burger’s 10th anniversary, seeing the city from new heights on the rooftop of St. James’ Park, and heading into the deep dark wood to find The Gruffalo at Northern Stage. Fancy coming along for the adventure?
In Conversation: Mari Hannah and Jessica Irena Smith @ Newcastle City Library
To celebrate World Book Night this April, Newcastle City Library welcome local crime writers Mari Hannah (Her Sister’s Killer) and Jessica Irena Smith (The Night of the Crash) to talk about their latest novels. They’ll be discussing where their inspiration comes from, and what they’ve been reading lately, before a fascinating Q&A. Feel inspired to get reading more? Books will be available to purchase on the night too!
Thursday 17th April 2025, Free although booking is required
St. James’ Park Rooftop Tours @ Newcastle United Football Club
April also sees the return of the rooftop tours at St. James’ Park! Guests will get suited and booted with a high-vis jacket, helmet and binoculars before heading 150 feet above the ground to take in this treat of a Tyneside view. Afterwards, you’ll call in pitch-side and enjoy a rare perspective of the stadium from the dugout. Sounds like a pretty good way to celebrate the Magpies’ Carabao Cup win, if you ask us.
From Saturday 5th April 2025, From £25 per person
(Image: St. James Park, Newcastle, England, United Kingdom, Photo/Map: Arne Müseler / arne-mueseler.com / CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Silverhand Estate Wine Dinner @ Dobson & Parnell
For dinner with a difference this April, head to Dobson & Parnell for their Silverhand Estate wine dinner. Hosted by Ellie Coleridge from the UK’s largest organic vineyard, you’ll enjoy a five-course menu carefully crafted to enhance pairings from the Silverhand Estate wine collection. Perfect whether you’re a foodie fanatic, or fancy yourself a vino connoisseur.
Thursday 17th April 2025, From £95 per person
The Gruffalo @ Northern Stage
Meanwhile, Northern Stage is inviting families to adventure through the deep, dark wood with their magical musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic picture book The Gruffalo! Perfect for little ones aged three and above, as well as their grown-ups, kids will be fascinated by the creature with “knobbly knees, and turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart on the end of his nose”!
Tuesday 22nd – Friday 25th April 2025, From £13 per person
Sugababes @ Utilita Arena
Since reuniting in 2019, the original Sugababes line-up – Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan – have gone Round Round the festival circuit but April 2025 sees their biggest tour to date. They’ll be bringing their Soul Sound to the Utilita Arena and are joined by special guests Rose Gray and Luna to get the party going. If you’re an OG fan (or not!) then you’ll want to Push the Button on those tickets.
Wednesday 16th April 2025, Prices vary
Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival @ Northumbria University Students Union
Alternatively, why not raise a toast at Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival? Now in its 47th year, this annual event champions great real ale and cider, with over a hundred beers and thirty ciders to try out! Plus, each ticket comes with a souvenir glass and beer tokens to get the pints flowing as soon as you’re through the door.
Wednesday 9th – Saturday 12th April 2025, From £21 per person
Newcastle Puppetry Festival @ Multiple venues
Another returning addition to the Toon’s festival calendar comes courtesy of Moving Parts Arts, who’ll be taking over the city with creatures great and small. There’s loads going on for Newcastle Puppetry Festival, so we’d suggest checking out their website for all the details, but you definitely won’t want to miss the Beasts on the Street and Toon Underground parade on Saturday 19th April!
Saturday 19th – Sunday 27th April 2025, Prices vary
Pig Heart Boy @ Newcastle Theatre Royal
Newcastle Theatre Royal is all about powerful performances this April, with the arrival of Pig Heart Boy. Based on the novel by award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, Winsome Pinnock’s adaptation follows thirteen-year old Cameron on his journey towards a heart transplant. Exploring themes of ethics, animal rights, othering and empathy, it promises to be a moving and thought-provoking production.
Tuesday 29th April – Saturday 3rd May 2025, From £10 per person
St. George’s Day Evening Tour @ Newcastle Castle
The lovely folk at Newcastle Castle, are inviting guests for a St. George's Day evening tour this April! You’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of the castle after-hours and be regaled with tales of great battles and ruthless lords by your expert guide before getting up-close with replica medieval weapons and armour! Plus, there’ll even be the chance to climb to the roof to see take in those breathtaking views across the city.
Wednesday 23rd April 2025, From £15 per person
Battle of the Burger @ Wylam Brewery
For its 10th anniversary, Battle of the Burger is set to be bigger and better than ever! This two-day affair will be jam-packed with good grub from the likes of Meat:Stack, Lola Jeans, Scott & Wilson and Wagyu Street Burgers – all cooking up a storm to be crowned the best burger in all the Toon. Plus, North Shore Coffee, Doughvine Desserts and Choco Cup (among others!) will be on-hand to satisfy any sweet-tooth taste buds.
Friday 18th – Saturday 19th April 2025, Prices vary
Whatever you fancy getting up to, there’s loads to keep you busy this April. Fingers crossed that the sun just keeps shining through it all…
Main image: Jabberwocky by Rag and Bone, Image courtesy Newcastle Puppetry Festival
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