Get Ready for Q Festival: 14 July – 6 August

June 25, 2017 by Rachel Kershaw in Festivals and Events 0

You may have already heard the rumours about a new and unique festival taking place on Baltic Square in Gateshead this summer, well it’s true! The official press launch isn’t till next week but I’ve already been checking out the details and I couldn’t wait to share my excitement!

Q Festival is a new collaboration between Gateshead Council and Jesterval Comedy Festival and it promises to ‘quench your thirst for summer’… so expect foodie pop ups, family entertainment, boat loads of comedy, music, crafting, immersive cinema, a gin festival and so much more! There’s stuff going on for all ages and the programme is jam packed with quirky cultural events!

My niece Emily kindly points out the location where the festival will take place!

The outdoor festival space will even have a lush beer garden overlooking the River Tyne so there really will be no greater place to be this summer! However, as we all know, the North East weather can be a little unpredictable, so there’s going to be a temporary indoor venue on the banks of the Tyne too, but we’re not talking about some boring marquee, oh no siree!

Image credit: Q Festival

Q Festival is bringing a massive 1920’s feel Spiegeltent to Geordieland, decorated with opulent velvets, mirrored walls and sumptuous period lighting. Private seating booths will line a circular wooden dance-floor in the centre and an elaborate entrance will welcome visitors in to a magical world of fun and creativity.

You really do need to check out the full programme and start planning which events you’d like to attend. With limited capacity in the Spiegeltent I am sure the most hotly anticipated events will sell out quickly!

I hope to spend many fun filled summer days and nights at Q Festival, lots of the events look right up my street but these are the ones I have added to my calendar so far…

My Q Festival Highlights:

‘Blogging; create your own opportunities’ – Monday 17th July

I had to start this little list by shamelessly plugging an event that I’m going to be speaking at. You can listen to me prattle on about my love of blogging and hear from other passionate bloggers and marketeers at this fun and informal night of networking – hopefully see you there!

‘Screenage Kicks present a psychedelic trip to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ – Thursday 27th July

My favourite childhood film is going to be screened in the wonderfully psychedelic Spiegeltent, which for one night only will become the factory of dreams! I’ve been told to expect immersive elements, live music, a costume party, themed food & drinks and plenty of fun and dancing. It’s my fellas birthday on this date so I’m just hoping he’s as excited about it as I am!

‘Chalk presents: The Breakfast Club Coffee Rave’ – Saturday 5th August

I’ve heard great things about the Chalk Family Raves and as this 80’s themed event coincides with a visit from my five year old niece and nephew so it seems like the perfect opportunity to show them what it was like to be a child of the 80’s! There’ll be a live DJ, 80’s sensory projections, power grabbing and hula hooping. The kids can scribble on the giant drawing floor, bathe in bubbles and throw some shapes to some of the best music ever made.

Sarah Pascoe performs at Jesterval – Friday 14th July

Me at Jesterval 2016

The sound of laughter will fill the tent from Friday 14th July till Sunday 6th August as Jesterval returns to Gateshead Quays with a whole host of comedy talent appearing over 45 different events! I’ve seen Sarah Pascoe on the telly box a few times and her take on modern life is something I have found myself laughing about in agreement so I’m looking forward to seeing her perform in person as she helps to kick off the first day of Jesterval.

Meet me at the Spiegel – Various dates

The doors of the Spiegeltent will open to the general public for free several times throughout the festival giving you the chance to drop in and check it out without a ticket. There’ll be games and ping pong to play with or you can just sit back and relax with a drink. It’s set to become my new favourite hangout!

You can browse the full festival line-up at www.QFestival.co.uk 

I’d love to know which events take your fancy so be sure to let me know by leaving a comment below!