5 Things I’m Looking Forward to this Autumn

October 17, 2016 by Rachel Kershaw in Days Out 1

There’s always something going on in NewcastleGateshead but I’m particularly excited about the Autumn season as I have lots of lovely stuff planned with friends and loved ones. Here are some of the top events that I’m looking forward to over the next few weeks, there’s still time for you to add them to your calendar too!

Disney on Ice Presents Frozen at the Metro Radio Arena: 18th – 23rd October

Elsa and Ana have arrived in Geordieland and they’ve brought lots of their Disney friends with them, including other famous duos like Timon and Pumbaa from ‘The Lion King’ and Nemo and Dory from ‘Finding Nemo’. I’m sure Mickey and Minnie will make an appearance too for what promises to be a magical and unforgettable performance. I’m taking my niece and nephew on the the 23rd and we’ve been singing our hearts out to ‘Let it Go’ in preparation! 

Juice Festival: 21st – 29th October

OK, so I might not be 21 anymore but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy NewcasteGateshead’s annual Juice Festival. This unique festival for families offers nine exciting days full of events, activities, performances and exhibitions to get creative juices flowing. There are free and ticketed events taking place across Geordieland so I recommend you go online to plan your itinerary.

I’ll be heading to the Big Juice Family Day at Discovery Museum on Saturday the 22nd because I’ve also heard that a new exhibition is launching there the same day featuring a rare Enigma machine, used to code secret messages during WW2! I reckon I would have made a great spy!

More info: www.newcastlegateshead.com/juice-festival

A Spa Day at Slaley Hall

I love a spa day at anytime of year but Autumn brings a welcome excuse to schedule in some pampering time because it’s National Spa Week 31st October – 4th November. In celebration, QHotels has created an exclusive offer, available in any of its 23 spa hotels nationwide, including Slaley Hall which is just a short drive from Newcastle near the market town of Hexham.

Two people can enjoy a therapeutic day in luxury,  including a coffee and Danish pastry on arrival, a luxury ESPA treatment, delicious lunch and full access to the spa and leisure facilities for just £109. The deal is available to purchase throughout National Spa Week and can be redeemed Monday to Friday until 23rd December so I’ll be looking forward to a day of R and R before the madness of Christmas.

More info: www.QHotels.co.uk

Metro Radio’s Firework Spectacular at Saltwell Park: 5th November

Metro Radio will be lighting up the skies above Gateshead’s Saltwell Park on Guy Fawke’s Night! The local radio station has teamed up with Intu Metrocentre to put on a spectacular event. As well as jaw dropping fireworks, there’ll be a fairground, live music and a huge bonfire. I work at Metro Radio so I can also tell you that behind the scenes the team are pulling out all the stops to give visitors the chance to win great prizes including a £1000 intu shopping voucher (sadly staff can’t enter).

Word of warning though, you won’t be able to pay on the gate, you’ll need to pre-purchase wristbands for the event. They’re only £2 per person and there are no pesky booking fees. Get them customer services desks at intu Metrocentre, intu Eldon Square, Gateshead Leisure Centre or Metro Radio reception. You can also buy your tickets online here.

More info: www.metroradio.co.uk/local/events/firework-spectacular-at-saltwell-park

Skating at Life: 12th November – 26th February 

The ice-rink at Newcastle’s Life Science Centre makes a welcome return to the city from the 12th November and for me it marks the the start of the festive season (along with the reveal of the Fenwick Christmas window display). Some might say that’s a little early to be throwing on a Christmas jumper and skating around to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ but that’s exactly what I plan to do as soon as it opens!

More info: www.life.org.uk/whats-on/skating-at-life

Do you have any plans for Autumn? If you know of anything else happening in the North East that I should add to my list, just leave a comment below.