All images by Jay Dawson
Since the pandemic brought the venue’s doors to a close, music fans have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of what was the O2 Academy, and now houses NX Newcastle, on Westgate Road.
Electric Group, the independent company behind Electric Brixton and SWX Bristol, has invested £2.7m overhauling and remodelling the iconic building to create a specialised venue for live music and club nights.
The building has had an illustrious history - once a Majestic picture house, a ballroom and more recently home to O2 Academy - and the venue will be given a new lease of life as NX Newcastle, with the alterations bringing a new intimacy to the site. Audiences can enjoy the action from multiple levels which reach out towards the stage and put perfect sight lines in reach of everybody.
The venue can handle 1,550 people for live shows and a mega 2,100 for club nights, and organisers are committed to bringing some of the most exciting artists on the circuit to Newcastle. It’s fully accessible too, so everyone can enjoy this fantastic new space.
There’s been significant investment in the production elements, ensuring crystal clear sound and the very best AV kit providing a memorable experience. A big LED wall behind the stage adds an extra layer to the NX experience.
The venue boasts eight bars, with proper panoramic views across the room in front of the Balcony Bar on the top floor. While original features have been preserved, the balcony has come out, making space for a 350 capacity second room with its own bar. Red curved booths on three levels of the venue provide a perfect point to meet, drink and dissect the show! There’s even more to come, as the venue will expand further to add a roof terrace later in the year.
Filling up the live diary at the venue this month are shows from up-and-coming rapper Digga D (4th October), Gen Z icon beabadoobee (11th October), local songwriter Andrew Cushin (21st October), indie band The Wombats (27th October), the incredible Rock Orchestra by Candlelight (28th October) and eccentric rock band black midi (29th October). On the club scene, expect massive floor fillers at Saturday night party CODEC, who welcome Silky (1st October), Nathan Dawe (8th October), Holy Goof and Tsuki (15th October), and Belters Only and Jazzy (22nd October), plus Friday’s FARFETCHED nights are filled with house, dance, R&B and grime and welcome guests including DJ Fresh (14th October) and Yung Filly (21st October) among others.
Dominic Madden, CEO of Electric Group, says: “I’m delighted to see our first shows at NX. We have worked hard to focus on moving the venue forward, putting the relationship between artist and fan front and centre. It’s radically different; a more intimate room with 21st Century production and amazing sight lines. The feedback we have received is really positive, so look forward to seeing the venue coming alive.”
Keep your eyes on their website for fantastic live bookings, amazing club nights and much more, as NX Newcastle looks to become your new favourite venue!
