5 ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Newcastle
As locals and newcomers alike know, there’s something for everyone in Newcastle when it comes to a good celebration.
Whether you head out for St Patrick’s Day in the ‘toon every year, or you’re pretty green to the holiday, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities on offer in the North East for this year’s big day. And don’t worry — if you fancy some time away from the oversized Guinness hats and shamrock sunglasses, we’ve got you covered too.
Parties and pubs
Although it’s not all Newcastle has to offer, you’ve got to admit we’re known for a propa’ good knees-up. If some classic Irish tunes and a good dancefloor sound like your cup of tea (or Guinness) look no further — here are our top picks for parties and pubs to head to on St Patrick’s Day.
Paddy Fest at NX Newcastle
After four wildly successful years, Newcastle’s famous Paddy Fest is back, and this year’s line-up isn’t one to disappoint. Promising “a full day of proper Irish craic and good times”, this year’s Paddy Fest is hosted at the ‘newest super venue in the city’ — NX Newcastle. So, what’s on, you ask? Well, get a load of this…
NX Newcastle will be showing the Live Nations England v Ireland rugby game on huge LED screens, so you can back the side of your choosing with a Guinness in hand. That’s not all, though, as even after the game you’ll be treated to live Irish bands, DJs, Irish-themed giveaways, and traditional Irish entertainers. Oh, and here’s the best bit: dancing on tables isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged.
Paddy Fest will run from 12 PM till 12 AM on Saturday 18th March, so make sure you’ve got your dancing shoes on for this one. Find out more or reserve Early Bird tickets here.
Bingo Goes Bonkers Goes Irish
Feeling lucky this St Patrick’s Day? Why not put that to the test with Bingo Goes Bonkers at The Fed on Friday 17th March? Rest assured, this isn’t just your typical bingo night (no over 70s in sight), so you can expect cheesy tunes, lots of laughs and, of course, outrageous prizes. What’s not to love?
Don’t miss out — you can catch Bingo Goes Bonkers Goes Irish on the 17th March from 7 PM till 12 AM at The Fed in Gateshead. Tickets are on sale now, and we’re sure it’ll be a full house.
Six Nations at Tyneside Irish Centre
As Newcastle’s Irish hub, Tyneside Irish Centre offer a place for Irish people, their families, and friends to go to enjoy Irish culture, whether that be a play, a live Irish band, or even a spot of Irish dancing! While Tyneside Irish Centre is a great place to head to soak up a bit of Irish heritage year-long, on Saturday 18th March from 5 PM they’ll be showing the Six Nations England v Ireland match. So, why not settle down with a pint or two in a traditional Irish pub?
If you’re not much of a rugby person, why not head down to Tyneside Irish Centre on Friday 17th? While nothing’s announced just yet, they’re known to throw a canny good party for St Patrick’s Day, with previous years offering live music across three whole floors, so this won’t be one to miss if you’re a traditionalist at heart.
Something different
Sometimes, you just don’t fancy heading down to the pub, and we can totally relate to that. Here’s our picks for those wanting a change of scenery this St Patrick’s Day.
St Patrick’s Raceday at Newcastle Racecourse
In the words of Newcastle Racecourse themselves: The Craic Is Back. Although technically not a pub, this St Patrick’s Day event is far from boring.
Head down to Gosforth Park on Saturday 18th March for a day out with something to suit everyone — from Six Nations viewing and live Irish bands, to Irish dancing demonstrations and (for the young at heart!) face painting. And, of course, the races themselves.
Tickets are being snapped up fast, so don’t miss out if you fancy a winning combo of races and rugby this March 18th. You can find out more and book your tickets on their website.
Paint and Sip at Full Circle Brewery
Does combining creativity and a love for all things Irish sound like your idea of fun? We agree, which is why we think Full Circle Brewery’s St Patrick’s Day Paint and Sip on the 17th March is a no-brainer.
With all materials included and one-on-one advice available from art experts, this is the perfect place to unleash your creativity, sing along to some nostalgic Irish tunes, and take home your very own masterpiece. Did we mention there’s a raffle for a free future session? Better hope you’ve got the luck of the Irish with you!
Paint and Sip starts at 4 PM on Friday 17th March, so be sure to get there on time (you can’t rush creative genius, after all). You can find out more or purchase tickets here.
Wherever you end up this St Patrick’s Day, keep us in the loop over on socials @ncapartments_.
