How Can I Support Art and Culture in NewcastleGateshead During Lockdown?

Until we can head to Beamish Museum and ride their colourful carousel with joy - there are still ways we can support the museums, attractions and small businesses that make up the creative venues and excellent days out we know and love in Newcastle and Gateshead. Read on for six easy ways you can support our region during this time of uncertainty caused by coronavirus lockdown. 

Take part in virtual activity

There’s still loads to take part in during lockdown including these five virtual tours of NewcastleGateshead's favourite attractions. From Life Science Centre’s #LifeGoesONline at-home science activities to The Alnwick Garden’s Blossom Watch, and the new Coronavirus Theatre Club, founded by three North East actors, which livestreams theatre on Twitter every Sunday. There’s also some great televised sporting moments being re-played by Newcastle Eagles basketball games and Newcastle United’s YouTube channel.

Share your memories

Another way to get the nation buzzing about some of our favourite venues is by sharing memories on social media. Have you got wonderful memories from a holiday in the North East? Do you have a favourite place to visit in NewcastleGateshead at the weekend or on a city break? Get sharing your stories and photos to keep the region’s hotspots front of mind. We'd love to see them so share #NewcastleGateshead on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Buy an annual pass

Museums such as Beamish Museum and attractions such as Auckland Castle and Seven Stories offer annual passes that cost the same as one entry fee. This means that, when you sign up, you have 12 months’ in which to use your pass, for as many times as you like, and the advanced income will play a much-needed role in helping these attractions to sustain their venues during the lockdown.

Become a friend

Many organisations in the heritage and cultural sector in Newcastle and Gateshead offer Friends or Supporter’s schemes.

These schemes cost very little to sign up to and provide you with ongoing benefits throughout the year including priority booking, discounts on shows/food and drink and special event invites. You will find many attractions run friends schemes including the Sage Supporter’s Scheme, at just £40 per year, Live Theatre’s Friend’s Scheme from as little as £5 per month, the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Friend’s Club from just £25 per year, The Stand Comedy Club membership scheme from just £15 per year and The Tyneside Theatre Friends Scheme from £45 per year.

Buy vouchers or gift cards

We all want something to look forward to at the end of this difficult period. Plus, we’re probably spending a bit less on socialising right now, so it could be a good time to invest in some restaurant vouchers or maybe an experience voucher with CBK's Adventure Co to be used at a future date.

Leave great reviews

Once we emerge from the lockdown period, venues will be keen to attract new customers and visitors. One way to support venues – and something that is especially good for restaurants and hotels – is to leave positive reviews on Facebook pages or websites such as TripAdvisor. Give a shout out to your favourite venue, restaurant or attraction to boost their spirits too.