Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017!

January 10, 2017 by Rachel Kershaw in Something a bit random! 3

Well hello there, I hope your new year has got off to a great start. You may have noticed I’ve been a little quiet recently, that’s because I’ve had a couple of weeks off from the world of blogging to spend a quiet Christmas with family, followed by an action packed skiing holiday in Bulgaria. However, I’m now back in Geordieland and raring to fill my diary with lots of new and exciting experiences for the year ahead!

When I think back over the last twelve months, 2016 is certainly going to take some beating. Highlights included the spectacular North Sea Tall Ships Regatta back in August when Blyth Quayside welcomed 30 jaw dropping ships from around the world and put on four days of free family fun across five huge entertainment zones. It was superbly organised and a joy to experience, I’ll remember it for a long to come!

A fun family day out with my little pirates

Remembering The Festival of the 50’s at Beamish in July also brings back happy memories. I love all things retro so I was in heaven surrounded by classic cars and beehive hair styles. I’m eagerly anticipating the ‘Remaking Beamish’ project which will incorporate the 50’s era to the living museum on a permanent basis in the future. I have even heard that visitors will be able to stay at the attraction overnight in a recreation of a Great North Road coaching inn, how cool will that be?

Read all about the plans here: www.beamish.org.uk/about/remaking-beamish

Time travelling at Beamish last summer

My niece and nephew loved visiting the Toon for Juice Festival in October

Winter had its highlights too… Juice Festival was fab, I loved watching Season Ticket at Northern Stage and there were lots of new bars and restaurants to check out in Newcastle.

I loved Christmas shopping at the Grainger Market

The months just whizzed by and before I knew it, the Fenwick Christmas window had been revealed, festive decorations were illuminating the Toon and I was shopping for gifts at the first ever Christmas night market at the Grainger Market! Time flies when you’re having fun.

I recently discovered La Casa inside the Grainger Market and it’s one of my new favourite places to shop!

So, 2017, you’ve got a hard act to follow! Thankfully, the year ahead is already looking promising. I have added the following events to my diary and I’m looking forward to adding many more!

NE1 Restaurant Week: 16 – 22 January – 3 courses for £15 at dozens of city centre restaurants… diet? What diet! www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/ne1-events/restaurant-week

North East LEGO® Landmarks at Life Science Centre: 14 January – 23 April – A chance to see some of the North East’s favourite landmarks created from everyones favourite toy! www.life.org.uk/whats-on/brick-history

Newcastle Whiskey Festival: 10 & 11 March – I don’t know too much about whiskey but what better way to learn? www.thewhiskylounge.com/event/newcastle-whisky-festival-2017

A Spring/Summer Staycation: TBC – OK, so this one is a bit vague but there’s currently a huge gap in my calendar around May/June which I am hoping to fill with a staycation close to my beloved North East coast, suggestions are welcome.

Manic Street Preachers Live from Times Sq: 5 August – I’ve always wanted to see the Welsh rockers live and after seeing Ocean Colour Scence at Times Sq in 2016, I know this gig is going to epic! www.seetickets.com/event/manic-street-preachers/times-square

Lumiere Durham: 16 – 19 November – I have heard so many great things about Lumiere that I have vowed not to miss it in 2017. www.lumiere-festival.com/durham-2017

I’d love to know what your 2016 highlights were and if you have anything planned for 2017 that I should add to my diary too. Use the comments box below to share your thoughts!