Member Article

Winter Festival for NewcastleGateshead launched

Light will pay a huge part in the NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival programme, announced this week. A team of experts have been commissioned to create Glow as the centerpiece of this year’s celebrations, fittingly in the area where the first electric light bulb was invented by Sir Joseph Swan. Glow will include lighting installations and illuminations created by both renowned regional and international artists as well as popular and innovative community based work.

Activities planned for this year’s festival include Glow trail which will see Tyneside’s iconic landmarks lit up in magenta and pink and Glow Mobile, celebrating the history of the first mobile discotheques, which will see a huge mobile DJ booth installed on a lorry.

Cllr Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Many people don’t know that Sir Joseph Swan lived for part of his life in Kells Lane, Low Fell and his house ‘Underhill’ was actually the first house in the world to be lit by electricity. Joseph Swan Comprehensive was also named after the inventor to recognise the tremendous scientific contributions he made. So we’re delighted to see a light inspired festival illuminating Gateshead this December.

“Glow promises to light up the dark winter nights and will provide a range of events and activities to suit all ages and tastes. The Sage Gateshead, BALTIC, and even Saltwell Towers in Gateshead’s award-winning Saltwell Park will be among the buildings that will be lit in magenta, promising a spectacular sight for all.”

Further information on Glow and NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival 06 can be found at www.NewcastleGateshead.com. A guide to the festival can be picked up at Tourist Information Centres and major venues throughout the region.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .