The Common Room

Edgar Summertyme Jones + Support
2025-09-06 19:00 - 23:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

Celebrating Tyneside's Railway Heritage: a book launch
2025-09-04 13:30 - 14:30 | 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?

Whisky Tasting: an evening with...Alasdair Day
2025-08-29 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Alasdair can trace his family connections to the whisky industry as far back as 1820. But today he’s known as the Master Distiller and driving force behind Raasay Distillery, which was completed in 2017. Since its first release in 2020 Raasay has gone from strength to strength.
Alasdair will be joining us on Friday 29th August with some of his favourite and most recent releases. He may even have an update on a new distillery he’s planning in a certain peninsular on the South West of Scotland!
Dram list to follow soon!
Held at:
5 Quarter Bar, Neville Hall
The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne , NE1 1SE

Hunt A Duck
2025-08-27 10:00 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
We’re adding some feathered fun to our next General Admission Day, get ready to go on a duck hunt!
We’ve hidden 100 mini ducks around the building, and if you find one, you get to keep it. No sign ups, no rules, just pop in!
Fuel your hunt with delicious drinks & snacks across the day in our 5|Quauarter café – why not add a pastry to your coffee for just 75p, or enjoy a panini, made locally just for us by the Camera Shop.
There’s also a great selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks available – plus, if you find a duck you get 10% off your café purchase!

Wallace & Gromit Films (Multi day event)
2025-08-22 11:00 - 2025-08-28 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Pay as you feel event (pay on the door). See dates below.
As part of our summer family events we are screening a Wallace & Gromit triple feature.
Room Location: Lecture Theatre
Dates: 22nd, 26th & 28th august.
Films:
🎬 A Grand Day Out
🎬 The Wrong Trousers
🎬 A Close Shave
Screenings 11am & 1:30pm daily
As this is a pay as you feel event, you can support the work we do by purchasing refreshments in the café bar.

Bounce & Play (Multi day event)
2025-08-18 10:00 - 2025-08-20 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Bounce & Play at The Common Room (PAY ON THE DOOR)
Room Location: Wood Hall
Open daily from 10am-4pm, 18th – 20th august
1.5 hour sessions, £3 per child
Come and join us for fun and games in the beautiful Wood Hall. This stunning space – with a high glass ceiling and colourful stained-glass windows- will be packed with:
– Bouncy castle
– Giant snakes and ladders and ball pool
– Tuck shop for tasty pit stops
There is plenty for the grownups too:
Enjoy our heritage building, grab a coffee and snack and soak in the surroundings
5|Quarter café bar serving paninis, cakes, hot and cold refreshments

Ryton Singers...by candlelight [SOLD OUT]
2025-08-16 18:30 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Step into an evening of pure enchantment as the Ryton Singers fill The Common Room with beautiful harmonies, all set against the warm glow of candlelight.
This special summer concert promises an intimate, atmospheric performance from one of the region’s much-loved choirs. Whether you’re a dedicated choral music fan or simply looking for a unique night out in a stunning historic setting, this is an experience not to miss.
Bring friends, family or someone special and let the Ryton Singers transport you with song in the heart of Newcastle.

Stay & Play (Multi day event)
2025-08-11 - 2025-08-22 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Stay & play at The Common Room (see days below).
If you’re looking for a calm and creative space to relax with the kids this summer, Stay & Play in our cosy Map Room is the perfect place to spend some time.
We’ll have:
• Colouring and Lego for hands on fun
• Cartoons in the background
Packed lunches welcome!
And grown ups, we’ve got you covered too, with coffee and cakes available from our café bar, a great way to support the space while the kids play.
Location: Map Room
DATES:
11th, 12th, 15th August
18th to 22nd August
Quiet days on 12th and 21st August.
Free entry – just drop in from 10am till 4pm

The Primitives + support
2025-08-01 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Indie pop royalty The Primitives bring their jangly guitars, infectious melodies, and timeless energy to The Common Room this August.
Bursting out of the UK indie scene in the mid-80s, The Primitives made their mark with shimmering pop gems like Crash – a hit that took them from underground favourites to international chart success. Their debut album Lovely became a cult classic, blending 60s girl group harmonies with punk attitude and a hook-laden sound that still resonates today.
After a hiatus in the 90s, the band reformed in 2009 and have been winning over old fans and new ever since, with a string of releases and celebrated live performances across the UK, Europe, the US and Japan.
Still fronted by the iconic Tracy Tracy alongside original members Paul Court and Tig Williams, The Primitives are as sharp, melodic, and vital as ever.
Don’t miss this chance to see one of indie pop’s most beloved acts in a unique setting at The Common Room.
With support from The Cords (@the.cords_band via Instagram)
Doors Open: 7:30pm
Starts: 8:00pm

World Premiere: Harper Thursday and the Magic Lantern™
2025-07-31 19:00 - 21:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Harper Thursday and the Magic Lantern™ is a celebration of imagination, storytelling, and the enduring power of books. This new family musical invites audiences to join Harper as she ventures using a magical antique projector lantern into the book worlds of Peter Pan, Oz, Wonderland, and beyond… Inspired by Craig’s love of classic Disney and Studio Ghibli movies.
The Wood Hall at The Common Room is the perfect setting for this world premiere, as promises an immersive experience full of music, wonder, and magic for all ages.
Stepping into the spotlight as the imaginative young hero Harper Thursday is rising star Corinne Monroe, making her UK theatrical debut in what promises to be a career-defining role.
Accomplished screen and stage actor Aiden Nord (Line of Duty, Vera, War Horse) takes on the pivotal role of Charlie, the loveable ghost of a Victorian chimney sweep whose presence underpins Harper’s extraordinary journey.
Joining them is celebrated North East singer-songwriter Jen Stevens, cast as the mystical and commanding Baba Yaga. Known for her soaring vocals, emotional depth, and captivating stage presence, Stevens brings powerful authenticity to the role of Harper’s enigmatic guide.
Beloved regional theatre figure Jamie Brown (Hadaway Harry, The Machine Gunners, The Fighting Bradfords) plays dual roles: the swashbuckling Captain James Hook and the lovable Scarecrow from the world of Oz. Brown’s versatility and magnetic charm make him a natural fit for these iconic characters.
Acclaimed musical theatre performer Markus Stanley (formerly Markus Sayers Franklyn), who played the title role in Shrek the Musical at The Tyne Theatre, Newcastle, and the dazzling Lumière in North East production of Beauty and the Beast, brings his signature flair to two contrasting roles: the frantic White Rabbit and the tender-hearted Piglet. Markus is also known for his standout performances as Princeton in three separate productions of Avenue Q.
Directed by Acclaimed Theatre Visionary, Jake Murray

Vicky Middleton: Awakened Breath
2025-07-05 10:15 - 12:00
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of Conscious Connected Breathwork, the energy of calming breath techniques and the vibrations of meditation. Designed to guide you to release physical, mental and emotional tension and to support nervous system balancing creating a deeply transformative experience.
Guided by Vicky, and within the power of community this is a space to AWAKEN the energy of LOVE & the healing potential of your breath to open pathways of possibilities.
Please note that it is NOT recommended that you do Conscious Connected Breathwork if you have schizophrenia, bipolar, history of psychosis, epilepsy, heart conditions, extremes of blood pressure, glaucoma or detached retina, history of strokes or aneurysm, recent abdominal surgery and delicate pregnancy. if this is you.an alternative breathing technique will be offered which can still be extremely powerful.
Vicky is trained as a Breathwork Practitioner approved by the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance with over 1000hrs accredited training.

Whisky Tasting: An evening with...Angus MacRaild
2025-07-03 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us on Thursday 3rd July for an evening hosted by Lee Connor and special guest, the one and only Angus MacRaild – the man in charge of bottling stuff at Decadent Drinks, one third of the propulsion behind Kythe Distillery and an occasional scribbler of words.
A general, all-purpose man about the whisky town with a penchant for older style, distillate-driven spirits and a love of fine bevvy that stretches into wines, brews and all manner of other spirits, potions and drinks types. When he isn’t doing work stuff, he’s perpetually learning how to be a husband and a dad.
In Lee’s opinion, Angus is one of the finest minds in whisky today. Check out this line up…
Vatted Grain 1972 Decadent Drams
Glen Moray 31yo Whiskyland 17
Old Orkney 25yo
Highland Park 20yo Whiskyland 16
Glen Toon (Glen Scotia) 8yo Decadent Drams
Ord 2017 8yo Equinox & Solstice Summer 2025
And maybe another special treat!
Date:
03.07.2025
Time – 7:00pm
Location:
5 Quarter Bar
The Common Room

Gloria Love's Pride Extravaganza
2025-06-27 18:30 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Welcome to Gloria Love’s Pride Extravaganza! Join us at The Common Room for a fabulous celebration of love and diversity. Get ready for a night filled with music, dancing, and unforgettable performances from the amazong Gloria Love accompanied by the Side By Side Arts Band and Choir. Don’t miss out on this incredible event where we can all come together to celebrate Pride in style!
Doors: 6:30pm
Act 1 – 19:00 – 19:45
Intermission – 19:45 – 20:05
Act 2 – 20:05 – 21:00

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works
2025-06-14 21:00 - 22:15 | 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 never before used for this purpose in Newcastle upon Tyne. This month, the music of Hans Zimmer will be performed Wood Hall at The Common Room, under the gentle glow of candlelight.
General Info
📍 Venue: The Common Room – Wood Hall
⏳ Duration: 65 minutes (doors open at 8:15pm, 45 mins prior to the start time, and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible
☀️ Please note that natural light levels during earlier shows may vary and the candlelight may appear dimmer.
Programme:
Pirates of the Caribbean – He’s a Pirate
Pirates of the Caribbean – Suite
Gladiator – Now We Are Free
The Last Samurai – Red Warrior
Dune – Medley
Top Gun – Maverick
Sherlock Holmes – Discombobulate
The Lion King – Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Batman Medley
Wonder Woman
Dunkirk – Supermarine
Inception Medley – Dream Is Collapsing
Inception Medley – Time
Performers:
Aurora String Quartet

The Frank and Walters (Full Band) + support
2025-06-07 19:30 - 22:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Once upon a not-so-very-long-ago three friends from Cork decided to form a musical band. Their collective love of melody and God-given gift for a hook saw riches and acclaim bestowed on them from far and wide and they lived happily ever after safe in the knowledge that hard work, wonderful songs and honest talent would always win the day… It’s been a long, strange, beautiful journey for The Franks, who in the 90s flirted with the charts on this continent and others, but no-one can deny they made their mark. Hell, there’s even an all-girl Japanese Franks tribute band! Sing along to After All, Fashion Crisis Hits New York, This Is Not A Song and Happy Busman.
The Frank and Walters will be supported by Jody and the Jerms:
Jody and the Jerms create endearing jangle-pop songs that are both evocative and relatable. Formed in Oxford in 2019, they have been writing, recording and performing their blend of melodic and uplifting indie/alt rock ever since, recording three albums to date and enjoying national airtime on Radio X (UK), Absolute Radio (UK), Sirius XM (USA) and RTVE (Spain), as well as BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, BBC Wales and BBC Ulster. “It’s almost like power pop, a bit Bangles… or jangle pop. Lovely” – Radcliffe & Maconie, BBC 6 Music “Evanescent jangle of endearing pop hymns… A celestial glow that lingers at the nexus of The Sundays, Belle and Sebastian, Throwing Muses, and the effervescent efflorescence of The Darling Buds.” – Post-Punk.com
Saturday 7th June, 2025
Doors Open: 7:30pm
First act starts: 8:00pm

Whisky tasting: An evening with…Graeme Mackay
2025-06-06 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for this in-person whisky tasting event on Friday 6th June. The evening will be full of insights and enlightenment on all things Ardnamurchan Distillery & Adelphi Independent Bottlers Sales Executive. Plus – their Blending Team member, Graeme Mackay, will be bringing liquid and showcasing what they are all about.
We will be tasting the following SEVEN drams…
Maclean’s Nose
Ardnamurchan (AD) Single Malt
AD Sherry Cask
AD Madeira Cask
AD Mezcal Cask
AD Distillery Exclusive – 2017 Unpeated Oloroso Sherry Butt
Adelphi High Coast 2013 – Peated Swedish curveball!
Graeme Mackay is the Sales Executive for Ardnamurchan Distillery and Adelphi Independent Bottlers. Graeme covers sales in much of the UK, as well as covering export markets in the Nordics, Central Europe, and parts of Asia. He helps with recipe creation as part of the Blending team, too.
Time: 7pm
Location: 5|Quarter Bar, The Common Room.

456 Live Present…Brigitte Calls Me Baby
2025-06-02 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Brigitte Calls Me Baby crafts a sound that’s equal parts elegant time warp and modern-day reckoning—fusing mid-century pop’s lavish romanticism with the raw energy of post-punk and early-millennium indie-rock. Fronted by Wes Leavins, whose hypnotic croon channels Roy Orbison, The Cars, and Radiohead, the Chicago band delivers a rare mix of sophistication and sincerity. After a breakout SXSW set and a deal with ATO Records, they are currently touring with Morrissey and their highly anticipated debut album, The Future Is Our Way Out, is out now – produced by Grammy-winning Dave Cobb.
Tickets on sale from Friday 28th March 2025.
Age Restrictions: 16+ (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)

Pint Of Science Festival (19th-21st May)
2025-05-19 19:00 - 2025-05-21 21:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Pint of Science is a grassroots non-profit organisation that has grown astronomically over the few years since two people decided to share their research in the pub. Although our mission has expanded, our core values remain the same: to provide a space for researchers and members of the public alike to come together, be curious, and chat about research in a relaxed environment outside of mysterious laboratories or daunting dark lecture theatres.
Monday 19th May
Decarbonise and Conquer
From our city streets to Hadrian’s Wall, science is shaping the future of our local area. Join the conversation with the experts about how they are decarbonising energy, lowering heating costs, and preserving historical landscapes. See how the environmental tech used by scientists benefits you – improving energy efficiency, saving you money and helping local businesses thrive in a sustainable way.
Doors 7:00pm
Event 7:30pm to 9:30pm
TICKETS
Tuesday 20th May
From Pills to Policies: The power of patient data
We explore the hidden challenges behind the frontline of healthcare. Discover why accurate tracking of medication use is more complex than it seems and how patient data fuels life-saving research. Join the debate on improving health while protecting privacy – because what we know (and what we don’t) can change lives!
Doors 7:00pm
Event 7:30pm to 9:30pm
TICKETS
Wednesday 21st May
The Sounds of Science
This Pint of Science will take a sonic journey through science with talks and performances that represent a broad range of fleeting physical and biological phenomena through sound — from distant galaxies, to brain signals and Earth cycles. Join us as we explore the wonderfully complex, intangible world around us through the sense of sound.
Doors 7:00pm
Event 7:30pm to 9:30pm
TICKETS
For information on all other Newcastle events, look here.

The Late Shows 2025: Art, Lego and Live Tunes
2025-05-17 18:30 - 22:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
The Late Shows, an award-winning late-night free culture crawl will return on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May 2025.
Art, Lego and Live Tunes
Saturday Only
FREE
Open: 6-10.30pm
Explore our Grade II* Listed building. Visit the new Coal Queens exhibition in the fabulous Wood Hall, browse artist Neil Turner’s local sketches in the Stephenson Room, build an engineering themed Lego model in the Map Room, then have a drink and enjoy the live band karaoke in 5|Quarter Cafe Bar!
Last entry 10pm.
The full event programme is now available here.

Newcastle Writing Conference
2025-05-17 10:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
New Writing North’s Newcastle Writing Conference is back!
The writing conference is an event for writers at all stages of their careers. It aims to demystify the world of publishing and supports you to connect with peers and industry experts. Across one day, the conference offers a programme of panels, breakout sessions and practical workshops. Writers choose their own bespoke journey throughout the day, whether you’re interested in avoiding memoir mistakes, creating compelling characters in your children’s novel or getting a guide to independent publishing.
Making connections is just as important as a fantastic programme of events. We encourage attendees to mingle over complimentary tea and coffee, visit our pop-up book stall from Forum Books, and meet other writers during the networking time at the end of the day. You can also apply for an industry one-to-one with a range of agents, editors and professional writers.
If you can’t join us in person, you can still be part of Newcastle Writing Conference. We’ll be live-streaming our three main events and three breakout sessions throughout the day.

Sold Out - Corruption in the Spotlight Cicero versus Verres
2025-05-16 15:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
FREE TICKETS SOLD OUT
Corruption in the Spotlight: Cicero versus Verres is a dynamic performance and panel discussion taking place on Friday 16th May at The Common Room, Newcastle. This ClassicsFest event reimagines the historic trial of Roman magistrate Gaius Verres, prosecuted by Cicero in 70 BC for crimes including bribery, extortion, and spreading misinformation. Writer Kirsten Luckins has adapted the case for the stage, with sixth form students contributing to the creative process. The performance features Wambui Hardcastle and Eilís Konstantina, and is chaired by Professor Deveral Capps of Leeds Law School, highlighting striking parallels between ancient Roman corruption and today’s political climate.
ClassicsFest is supported by several cultural and educational bodies including Arts Council England, Newcastle University, and Classics for All. The event blends classical themes with contemporary commentary, showcasing talent from the North East and beyond. Kirsten Luckins brings her poetic and theatrical flair as a celebrated director and performer, while actors Eilís Konstantina and Wambui Hardcastle lend powerful presence to the courtroom drama. This collaboration between academic institutions and regional creatives promises a compelling exploration of justice, rhetoric, and political accountability—both ancient and modern.
Event held in the Lecture Theatre
Age recommendation is 12 years+

Wandering Oak presents Acid Mothers Temple plus support
2025-05-09 19:00 - 23:30
Over the last 25 years no group has been more prolific or dedicated to pushing psychedelic rock to its limits than Japan’s Acid Mothers Temple – a psychedelic band (also considered a soul collective and freak-out band), the core of which formed in 1995 as Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O..
The band was created by guitarist Kawabata Makoto after the hiatus of Mainliner and early in their career featured many musicians, but by 2004 the line-up had drastically changed. The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. broke up briefly while Acid Mothers Temple & The Cosmic Inferno formed with a harder, heavier psych-rock sound until the former group re-formed with different vocalists and various guests in 2006. Many more side bands and projects under the Acid Mothers Temple name have formed throughout the years with other iterations and variations on psychedelic but all bands are considered a part of Acid Mothers Temple according to Kawabata Makoto.
The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. alone has over forty studio albums while the other incarnations all have at least one other studio effort under their belt. Acid Mothers Temple have been releasing studio and live releases along with touring relentlessly since 1995 whether through labels like PSF and Important or through their own Acid Mothers Temple imprint. The band is also notable for their Acid Mothers Temple Festival, held every year since 2002 and showcasing special performances.
The band consider themselves as a collective as many musicians have come to collaborate with the outfit over their lengthy existence such as Kinski, Guru Guru, Gong and Yoshida Tatsuya of Ruins to scratch the surface. Their music is typically themed around open psychedelia, song parodies, comedy, sex and professional wrestling.

Whisky tasting: An evening with...Billy Abbott.
2025-05-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us on Friday 9th May for an evening in the company of The Whisky Exchange’s ambassador, Billy Abbott. Showcasing six of the Whisky Exchanges most sought after own releases.
A writer and educator who spends his days wandering the world telling people about great drinks, with a focus on whisky from around the world and Asian spirits. Since joining The Whisky Exchange in 2011, he has been nominated for IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year three times, won the Icons of Whisky Rest of World Communicator award and been the runner-up for the Fortnum & Mason Awards Debut Drinks Book for his book, The Philosophy of Whisky.
Drams:
– Caol Ila 2014 9 Oear Old “The Seasons: Spring” – £74.95
– Signatory Bourbon Cask for TWE: Clynelish 2008 16 Year Old- £120 Not Yet Available
– Signatory Fortified: Whitlaw 11 Year Old PX For TWE – £91.95
– Powers 2005 Small Batch 17 Year Old TWE Exclusive – £195
– Whisky Show Ben Nevis 2013 10 Year Old
AND A VERY SPECIAL SURPRISE!
Time:7:00pm
Location:
5 Quarter Bar, Neville Hall
The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne , NE1 1SE

Werca's Folk: Coal and Choruses
2025-05-01 19:00 - 21:00
Werca’s Folk, with their director, Sandra Kerr, are absolutely delighted to be presenting an evening of song celebrating the history of the coal industry in this region and beyond, with the emphasis on the experiences of the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of miners.
There will be readings from the people who supported the miners, including during the strike of ’84/5.
Take the opportunity to join in on the choruses of some of our other repertoire, which expresses the loves, lives, hopes and hardship of women through our region’s traditional folk songs, and newly-penned pieces – many by the choir’s director.
Werca’s Folk is a choir of women devoted to singing, and to each other , while their director, Sandra Kerr will be familiar to many of you as the composer of and musician for the much-loved music of the Bagpuss films.
We do hope you can join us for an evening full of harmony, history and humour.

HMRC plus support
2025-04-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
HMRC return for their first headline show of 2025.
They will be playing their new EP in full, with support from Beano, Perfect Chicken and Alice Street.
Restrictions:
18+ only event
Doors: 7:30pm
Last entry 10pm.

Wandering Oak presents Little Barrie and Malcolm Catto plus support
2025-04-11 19:30 - 23:30
Over a 20-plus year career, Little Barrie, led by guitar ace Barrie Cadogan and bassist Lewis Wharton have proven themselves to be one of the UK’s most respected and resilient bands, cooking up a genre blending sound that touches on the ’60s British blues explosion, deep funk, hip hop and the best rock n’ roll of the last six decades, all leading them to their new long player ‘Electric War’, the second collaboration with drummer and producer Malcolm Catto.
Barrie is one of the world’s most respected musicians, having worked on music for film and television, composing and performing the main title theme for the award winning Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul and acting as the go-to guitar man for some of the music world’s most successful artists, serving as an integral member of Primal Scream from 2006-2015 and more recently as a member of The The, co-penning two songs with leader Matt Johnson on the band’s critically acclaimed 2024 comeback album ‘Ensoulment’, not to mention his stint as guitarist for Liam Gallagher at his historic sold out Knebworth shows and as bass player for Liam and John Squire’s 2024 world tour.
He’d already started gigging as Little Barrie in the early 2000s when he met Lewis Wharton at mod clothes store Merc on Carnaby Street, where the band’s future bassist was running the record department. With Lewis on board they debuted with 2005’s blue-eyed soul/funk blueprint, ‘We Are Little Barrie’ and returned with 2007’s rockabilly-tinged ‘Stand Your Ground’, with The Guardian championed Barrie as “a compelling frontman, pitting street-corner punk vocals against volleys of reverb and twang”.
Little Barrie would shore up their ranks with the arrival of Virgil Howe, son of Yes guitar hero, Steve Howe, on drums in 2007 and two further albums diversified the Barrie blueprint, moving into ’60s surf-pop (2011’s ‘King Of The Waves’) and the darker soundtrack-style Krautrock of 2014’s ‘Shadow’, “an effortlessly exciting album, taking rock back to its thrilling basics” as lauded by the NME. Album number five, 2017’s ‘Death Express’, packed a heavy punch, a raw, DIY outburst covering themes of greed and CCTV generationalism that lead to Louder Than War praising it’s “classic sixties r’nb garage rock with 21st century thrust”.
Following the untimely passing of Virgil Howe in 2017, Little Barrie underwent a healing process where returning to the studio and reconnecting through music, without seeking an end product, became therapy, an opportunity to work on bits and pieces Barrie had written for fun with zero pressure. Aligning with drummer Malcolm Catto, The Heliocentrics co-founder and a leading figure in the UK’s underground jazz and Psych scene, the band slowly but surely emerged from this emotional exile.
The first album from Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto, ‘Quatermass Seven’, described as “a mesmerising collaboration” by Shindig! Magazine, won plaudits from the music press and the bands fanbase, pulling together the wealth of influences and phenomenal talent of each player to create a deep, funky & expansive psych-rock experience. Following live shows to promote the album the band headed back into the studio to capitalise on becoming a tight-knit musical unit.
New album ‘Electric War’, their first for Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label sees Barrie, Malcolm & Lewis push the boundaries even further, expanding their rich sonic palette and proving that the chemistry imbedded in the grooves of their debut was no fluke. From
the lysergic, laid back funk of ‘Creaky’ to the shape shifting arrangements of ‘Spektator’ and the heavy funk bounce of ‘My Now’, it’s an album that draws on years of collective musical knowledge and sets the trio apart from their contemporaries.

Aelius Alternative Festival (Multi Venue)
2025-04-05 14:30 - 23:00
Aelius Alternative Festival returns for its second edition on Saturday the 5th of April in Newcastle city centre!
Fast rising locals CROWLEY, WOLFRED, and TV DEATH will be headlining across 4 venues and 5 stages; The Globe Up, The Globe Down, Head of Steam, The Common Room and The Telegraph are all playing their part in highlighting a selection of incredible musical talents. Artists on the line-up include Nadedja, spoken word artists Sam Way and Tahmina Ali, Rushbonds, and White Collar Rebel.
We will once again be collaborating with international live music promoters Sofar Sounds on a secret stage, as well as local comic Adrian Hanlon who’ll be curating and hosting the comedy stage. Sunderland’s NAME Academy will be sending two acts to Newcastle, and French music platform Groover will be taking their pick of international acts to perform at Aelius Alternative.
EVENT STAGE TIMETABLE:

This year, we are working with national organisation Tonic Music for Mental Health on highlighting the importance of mental health services within the music industry. Aelius Alternative partners include Groover, Love Music Hate Racism North East, Microbus Gateshead, NAME Sunderland, Night Owl Music Promotions, Off Axis Scotland, The Pentatonic and W Artists.

Book Launch: Between the Salt and the Ash
2025-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening at The Common Room, Newcastle, as we celebrate the rich landscapes and histories of the North East with writer Jake Morris-Campbell in conversation with historian and author Dan Jackson.
Jake’s latest work, Between the Salt and The Ash (Manchester University Press), is both a personal and historical exploration of identity, belonging, and the deep heritage of the North East. Paired with Dan’s expert insights, this event promises a thought-provoking discussion about the region’s past, present, and future.
Jake Morris-Campbell is a writer, editor, and lecturer from North East England, inspired by its landscapes, communities, and history. His work appears in numerous publications, and he actively champions the region’s arts, collaborating on projects that celebrate local culture and heritage.
Book & Ticket bundle available via ticket link.

Passengers and Pioneers - Album Launch (2 sessions - 12:00 and 19:30)
2025-03-14 12:00 - 13:00
“Passengers & Pioneers” created by Sam Slatcher of Citizen Songwriters along with award winning Northeast poets, celebrates the birth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and what it means to us today as it approaches its 200th anniversary. The album incorporates stories of passengers travelling today and archive history from the first journey in 1825.
The show will run twice on Friday 14th March – once at 12 noon and again at 7:30pm. Both performances are free of charge but tickets must be booked via EventBrite. Both showings will be in the Lecture Theatre on the ground floor. Bookings to guarantee a place via the link will close on Wednesday 12th but drop in attendees are very welcome on the day!

An evening with Cameron Mcgeachy
2025-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us on Friday 21st Feb for an evening of exquisite whiskies and chat with Cameron Mcgeachy. The man at the helm of Cadenheads, Scotlands oldest independent bottler. A chance to taste six of their most recent releases and quiz Cameron on exactly how he approaches the task of upholding standards in one of the most revered positions in Scotch Whisky.
Whiskies to be confirmed.
