The Late Shows 2024 attracts over 30,000 visitors

Newcastle and Gateshead’s late-night culture event, The Late Shows, welcomed over 30,000 visitors across two nights, Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May, marking a triumphant return to pre-pandemic attendance levels. 

The much-loved annual event which is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK, is coordinated by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and showcases the vibrant cultural tapestry of Newcastle and Gateshead after-hours. 

In total, 31,410 visits were recorded across the 63 Ouseburn, Gateshead and Newcastle cultural venues that took part.  Of the visitors surveyed 78% visited venues that they had never been to before, 80% said the event makes them feel more positive about the local area and 90% were inspired to visit more cultural venues in the future.  

Bill Griffiths, Chair of the Late Shows Steering Group and Head of Programmes & Collections at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, commented:  "The overwhelming response to The Late Shows 2024 is truly heartening. It demonstrates the power of this event in connecting people with the incredible cultural offerings on their doorstep. We're thrilled to have partnered with Creative Central NCL for the first time, and their support significantly enriched the programme." 

The event was sponsored for the first time by Creative Central NCL, and their sponsorship enabled five brand-new artist commissions, a major highlight of the event.  

Vikki Leaney, Project Manager for Creative Central NCL and Economic 

Development Officer at Newcastle City Council said: “Our sponsorship of The Late Shows this year was such a joy! It’s a wonderful event for visitors and the artists involved. And we’re really pleased we were able to support five new commissions by a range of artists - from poetry to virtual reality, illustration and music. The artists we supported created fantastically diverse pieces, that were enjoyed by the public across a range of venues in the Creative Central NCL footprint.” 

Planning for The Late Shows 2025 is already underway. Mark your calendars for Friday 16 May and Saturday 17 May for another weekend of cultural exploration across Newcastle and Gateshead.