Member Article

Art gallery and travel specialist jet into summer with cultural night markets

A Newcastle art gallery and a luxury travel specialist are setting off on a new journey together by hosting European-inspired night market events over the summer.

The Biscuit Factory - the UK’s largest independent art, craft and design gallery - is partnering with independently owned travel specialist Travel Bureau to host Summer Night Market – an evening shopping and dining experience that spotlights handpicked European destinations. The first event takes place on Thursday 6 July, 6-9pm and looks to Italy for inspiration, with Spain taking centre stage the following month, on Thursday 17 August.

Looking to emulate the atmosphere of a bustling night market, the events will feature a selection of specially curated independent sellers and established brand pop ups, including House of Fraser, Forum Books, Corney and Barrow Wine Merchants, Salisa fashion boutique, All About You Urban Beauty Retreat and Boilerhouse hair salon. Landscape artist Stephen Heward will also be creating a new painting live in the gallery.

Travel Bureau’s own personal travel experts as well as destination specialists from one of their preferred partners, luxury travel company Classic Collection, will be on hand to offer inspiration and advice on visiting each destination.

Kathryn Malone, marketing manager at Travel Bureau said: “Our personal travel experts and partners from Classic Collection have a wealth of first-hand knowledge of both destinations, so can really bring them to life. They can advise on the best time to travel and where you can fly to direct from Newcastle, what the ‘must see’ attractions are, as well as reveal each country’s hidden gems.

“On both evenings, we’ll run a short discovery talk, highlighting lesser known locations and interesting itineraries but will also be available to answer any specific questions visitors might have. There will also be a prize draw to win a £250 Classic Collection holiday voucher to go towards your next Italian or Spanish adventure.”

Rachel Brown, general manager at The Biscuit Factory, said: “Art, culture and travel go hand in hand, so we’re excited to present an event that brings these elements together. The gallery is a beautiful stage to host pop ups and we know our guests enjoy being introduced to new experiences as part of their gallery visit, so we’re really looking forward to hosting this event.”

Alongside the pop up stalls, visitors can explore the gallery’s new summer exhibition, handcrafted homewares and original jewellery while unwinding with a continental beer, antipasti or homemade gelato. Its in-house café The Factory Kitchen will also be hosting Supper Club on Location - a three-course themed menu inspired by the locations featured in both night markets.

The events are free to attend but guests can pre-register online to enter into a prize draw to win luxurious gifts from the pop up stalls.

For more information, visit www.thebiscuitfactory.com or www.travelb.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Alexis Forsyth .