Celebrating Tyneside's Railway Heritage: a book launch
2025-09-04 13:30 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join local author Les Turnbull for the launch of his latest publication “Celebrating Tyneside’s Railway Heritage”.
This booklet takes you on a walk around Central Station discovering the hidden heritage of early railways beneath your feet. Combined with Les’s research and memories, this makes a fascinating journey for both the railway enthusiast and people coming to the history of the railways for the first time.
September 2025 is being celebrated as the 200th anniversary of the modern railway thanks to the Stockton and Darlington line, but come and hear about the earlier systems on Tyneside and how they led to the creation of the modern railway.
The booklet will be available to buy for £6 – why not follow up the event with a walk around the route?

Edgar Summertyme Jones + Support
2025-09-06 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Wandering Oak presents…
Liverpool legend Edgar Jones made his mark in the early ‘90s fronting cult ‘60s revivalists The Stairs, before becoming a sought-after collaborator for the likes of Paul Weller, St Etienne, and more. As a solo artist, Edgar has dipped into everything from reverb-soaked garage rock and swaggering blues to psychedelic soul and swinging jazz, always delivered with effortless style and unmistakable vocals.
Whether leading bands like Free Peace or releasing music under his Summertyme moniker, Edgar has built a devoted following for his genre-hopping songwriting and vintage sound that feels both timeless and fresh. From underground classics like Mexican R’n’B to acclaimed solo albums and rarities, he remains one of the UK’s best-kept musical treasures.
This is a must-see show for fans of The Stairs, Captain Beefheart, The La’s, The Coral, and anyone who loves retro grooves and sharp songwriting. Catch this true cult hero live in the unique setting of The Common Room, with support from local singer-songwriter John Nellist.

The Evolution of Mining: Securing a Sustainable Future
2025-09-10 09:30 - 18:15 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
This one-day conference brings together professionals from the mining, water, and environmental sectors to explore how mining must adapt to support a greener, more sustainable future.
The programme will cover topics ranging from managing water in abandoned mines to recovering valuable materials from waste streams — all with a strong focus on sustainability and climate goals.
We are delighted to welcome Hugh Potter from the Environment Agency as our keynote speaker, sharing insights from his work on historic metal mine sites and their impact on the environment.
With contributions from leading voices in geology, hydrogeology, and engineering, this event promises to be a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across industries.
Join us in person at The Common Room or Burlington House in London, or connect online to be part of this important conversation.

NEIMME: William Thomas and a New Appraisal of the S&D Railway - book launch
2025-09-11 13:30 - 15:30
An event from the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers:
William Thomas, a founder member of the Lit and Phil and the Society of Antiquaries, has largely been erased from the historical record despite his importance as a revolutionary thinker who has more claim to be the father of the modern railway than George Stephenson and Edward Pease combined. He was a very active member of both societies and one of his lectures is particularly apposite this year for it brings into question the importance of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and the narrative of railway history established by the North Eastern Railway at the Jubilee celebrations of 1875. At a lecture on 11th February 1800, William Thomas provided the blueprint for a revolutionary railway system, an inter-city, multi-purpose railway, which carried passengers. This would form the model for the railway revolution later in the nineteenth century. This system was very different from the numerous colliery railways such as the Stockton and Darlington.
The book comprises four essays all linked through the person of William Thomas:

Elizabeth Montagu – ‘Countess of the Coalpits’
William Thomas and his World
George Stephenson’s Stockton and Darlington Railway
James Stephen Jeans’ Masterpiece of Propaganda

The perverse narrative of railway history established by Henry Pease in 1875 continues to distort the historical record: hence the idea of Railway 200 which is taking place today. This book aims to provide a new narrative which seeks to give more weight to the era of the waggonways and the ideas of William Thomas. It argues that the opening of the S&D in 1825 had no international significance: it was simply another colliery railway serving five small landsale collieries in the Auckland area. The important railways served the great seasale collieries of Tyneside and Wearside.
Copies will be available for sale of this new hardback publication, price £20 (cash or card accepted) at the launch and there will be a signing session afterwards.

James Yorkston & Nina Persson
2025-09-17 20:00 - 22:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a remarkable evening as acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter James Yorkston brings his deeply moving folk to Newcastle, joined by Nina Persson of The Cardigans for a special duo performance at The Common Room.
This show coincides with the release of Yorkston’s highly anticipated new album, Songs for Nina & Johanna, which highlights his collaborations with Nina Persson and Johanna Söderberg of First Aid Kit—both of whom lend their voices to this intimate, emotionally rich collection.
Expect heartfelt storytelling, gentle melodies, and a night woven with reflection and warmth—live, acoustically charged, and beautifully crafted.
This is a truly special evening not to be missed: a rare chance to see James Yorkston and Nina Persson perform together in an intimate duo format, showcasing their lyrical interplay and unmistakable chemistry. The performance will feature songs from Yorkston’s brand-new album Songs for Nina & Johanna, offering audiences the opportunity to experience this deeply moving collection live for the first time. All set within the historic surroundings of The Common Room, the evening promises to be a uniquely immersive and unforgettable musical experience.

Newcastle trams & the Tramways Committee before 1914
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Free talk…
In June 1913, members of Newcastle City Council met to celebrate the opening of the extension of the tram network across Benton Bank and into Heaton. Their meeting was filmed by local film-makers Henderson’s.
This talk will draw on evidence from this film, as well as from records held in The Tyne and Wear Archives Service and The Common Room, to tell the story of the city’s tramways before 1914, and the city councillors who were responsible for them.
Lawrence Napper is a senior lecturer in Film Studies at Kings College. Film excepts will be accompanied by Radio 4’s Neil Brand.
This event is part of The Common Room’s Heritage Open Days offer – why not check out the other fantastic free events available across the city at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

Elevate Symposium 2025 [EVENT CANCELLED]
2025-10-04 12:30 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
UPDATE: Unfortunately, this year’s Elevate Symposium event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Now in its sixth edition, Elevate Symposium returns to its home at The Common Room in Newcastle, following last year’s inspiring gathering at Tales Without Borders in Blyth. Over the years, this event has grown into a trusted platform where people from all walks of life come to reflect, connect and leave energised to create positive change.
This year’s edition, turns the spotlight onto something deeply personal yet frequently misunderstood: Afro hair.
By focusing on Afro hair, its heritage, its beauty and the call to ban hair discrimination, we honour Black history and Black futures alike. We believe that how people choose to wear their hair should never be a barrier to opportunity, dignity or self-expression. This is why we are backing this pettitn to ban hair discrimination in the North East of Engalnd and Cumbria; petition
Guests will step into a vibrant community exhibition showcasing portraits and reflections from local people proudly wearing their natural styles and braids.
What to Expect
– Throughout the day, free hair braiding stations will be open for adults and children alike – transforming care and creativity into moments of shared celebration and connection.
– Family-friendly environment – children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.
– A chance to connect, network, and celebrate the richness of African heritage.
Ticket Information
This year’s event is once again Pay As You Can to attend, with ticket numbers capped for safety and experience. Don’t wait, once tickets are gone, they’re gone!
Secure your tickets now and join us in commemorating Black history Month in a way that’s not just an event; it’s an immersive gathering of unity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of Black people.
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of Elevate Symposium – embodies our commitment to intersectionality and social justice, values that shape all our work. We believe inclusion happens when we gather, learn from one another and stand united for the dignity of everyone in our communities.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the The Common Room and Tribe Tesi for their invaluable partnership in organising this event.

Art of the Album Day
2025-10-15 10:00 - 17:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
This free, full-day event focuses on The Art of the Album, offering insight into the creative and practical steps behind making and releasing a record. Through panels, in-conversations, and masterclasses, participants will explore key areas including songwriting, production, A&R, recording, mixing and mastering, artwork, release strategy, distribution, marketing, and brand campaigns. The day is designed for aspiring artists, producers, and industry professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the album-making process from start to finish.
Hosted by Generator

Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan [SOLD OUT]
2025-10-18 19:00 - 23:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Gordon Chapman-Fox’s Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan fuses bold visuals with a striking retro-futuristic sound, evoking the growth of a northern English community from the 1970s to the ’80s. Across five albums and an EP, his immersive synth-driven music—filled with shimmering arpeggios and euphoric leads—has earned widespread acclaim.
Praised by BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and Electronic Sound, WRNTDP has charted in the UK and landed on multiple end-of-year lists. 2023’s The Nation’s Most Central Location was named Electronic Sound’s Album of the Year and secured a top spot at Rough Trade (#13), leading to festival appearances at End of the Road (2022, 2024).
Expect a spellbinding live show of bristling synth lines, deep bass swells, and hypnotic rhythms—perfect for soundtracking the future or the end of the old world. For fans of Belbury Poly, Vangelis, Craven Faults, and Orbury Common.
Doors 7:00pm
Performance room: Wood Hall
This is a 16+ (accompanied) / 18+ event
THIS EVENT HAS NOW SOLD OUT

Whisky Tasting: An evening with...Oliver Chilton
2025-10-24 07:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join Lee Connor and special guest Oliver Chilton at The Common Room for this in-person whisky tasting event.
From the shop floor to Head Blender, Ollie has straddled the whisky industry like a colossus.
Starting as a sales adviser in York Whisky Shop his drive and determination has propelled him through the echelons of Elixir Distillers where he has established brands such as Elements of Islay, Port Askaig and Single Malt Whiskies of Scotland. He has also played an integral part in the ongoing build of Portintruan Distillery on Islay and is currently working on the rebirth of Tormore Distillery.
He’ll be joining us at the Common Room on October 24th for tasty whiskies, and insights aplenty!
Drams to be confirmed.
Location:
5 Quarter Bar, The Common Room.

Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus (Multi-day run)
2025-10-24 19:00 - 2025-11-01 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Niltoni Entertainment’s electrifying theatrical hit returns — now at The Common Room from 24th October to 1st November 2025.
This autumn, the world has Frankenstein fever. With a surge of new film and television adaptations reimagining Mary Shelley’s immortal tale, Newcastle audiences are about to experience the definitive live version: Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus, returning this time in the grandeur of The Common Room’s Wood Hall.
Last year, the production played for two weeks at Newcastle Castle Keep to much acclaim and 5-star reviews, selling out every performance. Audiences and critics alike hailed it as an intense, atmospheric, and unforgettable reimagining of Shelley’s masterpiece.
Directed by the critically acclaimed Jake Murray, the 2025 staging reunites powerhouse performers Jamie Brown (The Creature), Will Sutherland (Victor Frankenstein), and Louise Dearden (Elizabeth), with the thrilling addition of Jacob Anderton as Henry, bringing new chemistry and dramatic tension to the story.
“This is Frankenstein as it was meant to be experienced — up close, visceral, and deeply human,” says Director Jake Murray. “In a year when Frankenstein is everywhere on screen, our production strips away the Hollywood gloss and takes audiences right to the beating heart of Shelley’s masterpiece.”
Blending theatrical intimacy with cinematic atmosphere, the production uses hauntingly effective staging, immersive lighting, and a soundscape that envelops the audience. In the historic setting of The Common Room, every breath, heartbeat, and crackle of electricity feels inescapably real.
Following last year’s sold-out run, tickets are expected to vanish quickly. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Shelley’s novel, a horror enthusiast, or newly drawn to the legend by this year’s onslaught of Frankenstein reimaginings, this is the chance to experience the story that started it all — live, in the flesh.
Venue: The Common Room, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tickets & Info: https://www.niltoni.com/box-office

Whisky Tasting: A evening with Dave Broom
2025-11-01 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
To anyone remotely interested in reading about drinks, the name Dave Broom will be
a familiar one.
With 14 books under his belt, Dave has established himself around the world as a
trusted authority on all things spirits, especially whisky.
He’ll be joining us at The Common Room on Friday the 28th March to celebrate the
release of the third edition of his renowned “World Atlas of Whisky”, with tales of his
adventures and a 6 dram tasting he has curated specifically for the evening.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to pre-order a signed copy of the “World
Atlas of Whisky”.
Opportunities such as this don’t occur often in Newcastle, interested parties would
be well advised to purchase a place quickly to avoid disappointment.
We will be drinking whiskies from the following distilleries…
Raasay
White Peak
Westland
Thy
Boann
Starward
Yoichi
AND some new- make spirit from the recently reopened Rosebank.
Event starts at 7:00pm

Waggonways: Exhibition & Family Activity Day
2025-11-08 10:00 - 13:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Come along to explore the Coxlodge waggonway; see our exhibition; take part in creating waggonway zines full of drawings, maps, poems and pictures. We will provide all the pens, paper, maps and glue you need.
Waggonways, our early railways, once transported coal across the north east and now provide amazing paths for walking, cycling and wheeling. Come along and discover their rich, varied and sometimes forgotten history.
Find out about the Coxlodge waggonway in Newcastle; explore children’s stories, adults’ memories and some secrets along the way.

(Postponed) Novelty Island
2025-11-08 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us at The Common Room for a captivating night with Novelty Island, the brainchild of Liverpool-based songwriter and producer Tom McConnell. Known for their hook-filled dream pop, the band effortlessly blends surrealism with a touch of Northern melancholy, all wrapped up in brilliant, classic songwriting. McConnell himself describes the project as “Paul McCartney having an argument with Bernard Black,” giving you a taste of their unique flavour.
Their acclaimed first two albums, How Are You Coping With This Century? and Wallsend Weekend Television, drew inspiration from everything from childhood memories to motorways, earning praise from Mojo, Shindig!, BBC 6 Music, and Absolute Radio. Having played Glastonbury and toured the UK as both a headliner and support act for bands like Sea Power, Novelty Island’s live performances are not to be missed – expect a psychedelic journey, often complete with imaginative papier-mâché props!
They’ll be showcasing material from their anticipated 2025 album, Jigsaw Causeway, a collection of darker, lo-fi tracks influenced by the production styles of Grandaddy and Beck. Adding another layer to their artistry, McConnell’s unique artwork, from papier-mâché sculptures to claymation, accompanies their releases, with the new album even set to coincide with his first exhibition.
‘Full of Beatlesy pop smarts’ – Mojo
‘Crafted as crisply and imaginatively as anything anyone’s ever recorded’ – Shindig!
‘Rainbow-hued psychedelic synth-pop’ – Bandcamp
‘A fever dream of whimsical verses and retro soundscapes’ – Fader
Age Restriction: 16+

Jim Ghedi
2025-11-10 19:00 - 22:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Sheffield-based songwriter and guitarist Jim Ghedi returned this year with “Wasteland” – a record that is vast, bold, and unafraid to journey into the darker corners of the modern world. Blending folk traditions with a strikingly contemporary edge, Ghedi’s music explores the enormity of life from the deeply personal to the universal.
Wasteland is a meditation on change and collapse places once familiar becoming unrecognisable, grief and personal loss set against the backdrop of environmental and societal shifts. Yet within that darkness, Ghedi finds solace in the natural world, weaving together beauty, vulnerability, and resilience in songs that are as atmospheric as they are heartfelt. Expect an evening of powerful, brooding, and deeply moving music here at The Common Room.
Support from Cath & Phil Tyler

The Birth of the Modern Railway: An illustrated talk by Les Turnbull
2025-11-14 11:00 - 12:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
This year, it’s been almost impossible to miss the excitement around the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Many say it marked the birth of the modern railway – but is that really true?
There’s a strong argument that the railway system we know today actually began elsewhere, especially on Tyneside. And who better to explain this than Les Turnbull – the leading expert on the history of coal mining and railways in the North East, and the author of many books on the subject.
During his talk, Les will introduce us to William Thomas, the mining engineer who managed the Montagu estates in Denton. Thomas’s forward-thinking ideas about railway development played an important role in shaping the modern system we use today.
This event is organised by St James’ Heritage & Environment Group in partnership with the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers.

Cole Stacey
2025-11-16 19:00 - 22:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Cole Stacey performs his debut album live at the Common Room, in our Grade II listed Lecture Theatre, part of a series of 5 concerts in remarkable places.
This is one of five unique concerts with Cole Stacey as he presents his critically acclaimed debut album Postcards From Lost Places.
Bringing together his years of experience on stage, Cole’s deeply personal solo shows are rooted in storytelling, directed by a love of popular song and have connection with people and places at their heart.
“A magnificent sound” – Patrick Kielty, BBC Radio 5 Live
“Breathtaking, that incredible voice” – TradFolk
“He is incredible”– Times Radio
*The first 20 tickets available for a reduced price of £13*
Doors 7pm

Waggonways: a celebration of north east paths and early railways
2025-11-17 19:00 - 20:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Come and celebrate our north east waggonways at The Common Room. Find out about the hidden secrets of Coxlodge waggonway. Waggonways, once described as the ‘Newcastle’s Roads’ were the early railways transporting coal, other materials and sometimes people. Some waggonways have disappeared but some can still be seen and are used today by people (and animals) of all ages, walking or wheeling to work and school; for leisure, shopping, wellbeing; and access to nature.
Come, be entertained and share our passion for waggonways.
Event programme:
A brief history lecture about the north east and Coxlodge waggonways by Les Turnbull, renowned north east historian.
Waggonway poetry reading by Lucy Grimshaw, Assistant Professor at Northumbria University.
Songs including a specially commissioned Coxlodge waggonway song by award winning folk duo Will Finn and Rosie Calvert.
Opportunities to ask questions and share your own waggonway experiences.
Funded by the ESRC Festival of Social Science and partnership with The Common Room. This event is the result of a research project ‘Heritage and Urban Green Spaces’ (HUGS) which explored Coxlodge waggonway. Research funded by the Urban Futures Research Group at Northumbria University.

Kean Kavanagh
2025-11-28 19:00 - 22:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
…The Country Star.
Kean Kavanagh’s musical journey has taken him from Houston, Texas, to the Irish midlands, swapping a promising law career for life as one of Ireland’s most exciting indie voices. After co-founding Dublin’s influential hip-hop label Soft Boy Records with Kojaque, Kavanagh made his mark as both DJ and vocalist, helping shape a scene that blends camaraderie with raw honesty.
He first turned heads as a solo artist during the COVID-19 lockdown with his mixtape Dog Person — a soulful mix of electronic grooves and indie rock storytelling. Appearances alongside Everything Is Recorded and support slots for acts like Vampire Weekend confirmed his rising status, as did his shapeshifting EP Wrestling Music and the heartfelt folk rendition The Portlaoise Queen.
In 2025, Kavanagh came fully into his own with The County Star, a rich, thoughtful album weaving Irish folk and Americana into vivid stories of small-town youth and restless dreamers. Don’t miss the chance to catch one of Ireland’s most unique new voices live at The Common Room.
A 456 Live Event

Search for Santa 2025 (Sold Out - Waitlist Available)
2025-11-29 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
“Search for Santa” is back and NE1 have a brand new trail this year – we are so excited to be part of it!
Every year NE1 welcomes families to participate in this tremendously popular sell-out event. Children collect their maps, pencils and Santa hats before going on their adventure. Following the map, families complete the clues, filling out the answers which give them a chance of winning a series of fantastic prizes with local businesses.
With stops on the way, children are able to get creative at craft checkpoints before continuing the trail to its end at The Common Room where there is a merry, festive atmosphere and lots to do including face-painting, storytelling, creative sections and a hot chocolate station with whipped cream and marshmallows, as well as the chance to meet the main man himself, Santa Claus! Before leaving, each child is given a free goodie bag full of Christmas treats.
Search for Santa is completely free to attend, but places are currently sold out. However, follow the ticket link and you will have the option to join the waitlist for any further tickets that become available from cancelled bookings.

Christmas: Bottle Painting
2025-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Create and take home a unique Christmas decoration or gift lit up with fairly lights.
Festive drinks & snacks will be available in 5|Quarter Café Bar, 6-8pm
Tickets: £15pp

Marconi Union (matinée show)
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Marconi Union gained worldwide attention with Weightless (2011), a composition developed in consultation with the British Academy of Sound Therapy. The track was dubbed “the world’s most relaxing song” after studies suggested it reduced anxiety and physiological stress, earning recognition from TIME magazine as an “Invention of the Year.”
Despite its popularity, Marconi Union have consistently pushed beyond Weightless, releasing acclaimed albums including Different Colours (2012), Ghost Stations (2016), Dead Air (2019) and Signals (2021).
In 2023, Talbot left the group, returning Marconi Union to a duo. Crossley and Meadows re-emerged in 2025 with The Fear of Never Landing, a 55-minute continuous work divided into movements. With this album, they carried forward their pursuit of expanding their sound, embracing complexity while preserving the signature stillness at its core.

Talk: Colliers of the Utd Assoc. of Durham & Northumberland 1825
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
This is the story of the first legal miners’ union forged in the great Northern Coalfield upon the repeal of the Combination Acts 1825.
The story of the first legal miners’ union. Forged in the great Northern Coalfield upon the repeal of the Combination Acts 1825. We explore the nature of pit work, the unequal stages of coalfield development which operated at the same time . The question of pre-teen labour, of female employment, methods of work and technical and scientific impacts. Seasonal employment, the Yearly Bond’ The illegal forerunner in the shape of the heroic Brotherhood of Colliers of Tyne and Wear. The rise and fall of this great human endeavour, the pioneer of two centuries of the mineworkers unions. We display the remarkable replica of a Miners Union Banner of the period and the immortalised hero’s and heroines whose faces appear on it.
David J Douglass served 42 years in the coalfields of Durham and Doncaster in rock headings and developments, on coalface caunches, in conventional, advancing and retreat operations. He served 25 years as a branch official of the NUM both as Delegate and Secretary at Hatfield Main Colliery, Doncaster [ the 2nd last mine in the country, closing in 2014]. An Executive Member and Vice Chair of South Yorkshire NUM Panel. Author of several histories of the miners and their unions, culture, dialects, technical operations and plans. He is a graduate of Ruskin College Oxford, Strathclyde University Glasgow, and Keele University. He is a member of NEIMME, as also serves on the Institute’s Council.
17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee
18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts
18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A
NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.
For more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/
For information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/

Whisky Tasting - Taster Takeover!
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
You’ve heard from the professionals, now it’s time to hear from the real people in the industry.
YOU!
For our final tasting of the year four of our exulted regulars have been given a budget of £100 each. With the purpose of purchasing one bottle and presenting it to us, at the Common Room, on Friday 12.12.2025.
That’s right, our own Malcolm Campbell, Steve Laidlaw, Phil Saint and John Hill have been scouring spirits retailers in the hope that they can tantalise you with whiskies of their own choice. And if that wasn’t enough I’ll be bolstering the line up with two drams of my own choice!
Who will bring the best whisky? Who’s presentation skills will impress the most? Who will be the first in the pub?
There’s only one way to find out!
We’ll see you there!

IDER
2025-12-15 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
456 Live Present…IDER, the singer-songwriter duo from London. Megan Markwick and Lily Somerville create music that combines features of various musical genres, and it has been described as “cross-genre”.
Formed in 2016 after performing as Lily & Meg for two years, IDER released their debut EP Gut Me Like an Animal in 2017, followed by the first full-length album Emotional Education in 2019.
Their most recent album, Late To The World was released 21st February, 2025
Markwick and Somerville have cited Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Etta James, Gillian Welch, Beyoncé and Dido as influences.
This is a special stripped back, acoustic live set.

Gloria Love: Christmas Extravaganza
2025-12-19 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Welcome to Gloria Love’s Christmas Party at The Common Room! Join Gloria Love and the Side By SIde Arts band for a night of festive frivolities, music and dancing. Get ready for a festive evening filled with joy and laughter on December 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM .
Join us for a night of celebration as we spread holiday cheer together. Don’t miss out on the fun!
A festive celebration like no other! Tickets will sell out quickly.
Held in the Wood Hall.
Bar open from 6:30pm – event doors 7:00pm, show starts at 7:30pm.

Mog's Christmas + family activities
2025-12-20 11:00 - 13:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
On sale now – our festive family screening is back! Enjoy a festive adventure starring our favourite forgetful family cat. Come early to enjoy some crafting time in our Wood Hall beforehand. Includes a delicious treat for every child. Hot and cold drinks and festive snacks available from our 5|Quarter Café Bar.
Doors:11:00
Film: 11:30
Tickets
£10 (admits one child + adult)
£5 for additional tickets

Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
2025-12-20 19:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Newcastle upon Tyne. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Movie Soundtracks at The Common Room – Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.
General Info
📍 Venue: The Common Room – Wood Hall
📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show and close 5 minutes prior to the start. Late arrivals will not be permitted
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Newcastle upon Tyne
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
Programme
White Christmas from Holiday Inn
Christmas Time Is Here from A Charlie Brown Christmas
Skating from A Charlie Brown Christmas
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) from Alvin and the Chipmunks
The Nightmare Before Christmas Medley
Believe from The Polar Express
You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch from How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Where Are You Christmas? from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock from Jingle All the Way
Silver Bells from The Lemon Drop Kid
Winter Wonderland from While You Were Sleeping
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! from While You Were Sleeping
I Believe In You and Me from The Preacher’s Wife
Carol of the Bells from Home Alone
All I Want for Christmas Is You from Love Actually
Performers
String Quartet – String Infusion Quartet

NEIMME Lecture: Network Rail – Managing Mining Risks
2026-01-15 17:30 - 19:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
ind out how Network Rail assesses and manages risks to its infrastructure using innovative techniques to quantify changing risk over time.
The Lecture will look at the historic interface between the railway and mining and then set out how Network Rail assesses and manages mines and minerals risks to its infrastructure. It will include reference to some specific case examples and the use of innovative techniques to quantify the changing risk over time.
Neal Ruston is the Principal Mining Engineer at Network Rail, he is a Chartered Minerals Surveyor and is inked in the Institution to Minerals and Waste Management, Construction, Planning and Development and Geomatics. Neal is also a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He has spent the last 47 years working the production mining and more recently in the identification, assessment and management of mining legacy issues. Neal is part of the Network Rail Technical Authority which sets out Policy and Standards to be met by the wider business and supports it with professional advise in respect of mines and minerals matters.
17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee
18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts
18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A
Welcome to our NEIMME Lecture. NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.
For more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership
For information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/

[SOLD OUT] Grant-Lee Phillips
2026-01-17 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Grant-Lee Phillips is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He led the group Grant Lee Buffalo in the 1990s, afterwards launching a solo career. He features as the town troubadour in Gilmore Girls.
“In the Hour of Dust” was released Sept. 5th, 2025 and was described by Americana UK as “a personal, reflective record, which comes across strongly in the lyrics. The performances are strong, reflecting the quality of the musicians employed”.
EVENT NOW SOLD OUT
