2009: A world-class festivals and events programme

When: 06/03/2009 - 31/12/2009

In 2009 Landscape and Heritage is the theme for North East England’s world-class programme of festivals and events developed by culture10.

The theme is inspired both by our iconic buildings and landscape and by major regional events including the opening of Great North Museum and Hadrian’s Wall celebrations.

Look out for events taking place across the region throughout 2009, showcasing a range of projects exploring the area’s extraordinary landscape and heritage – passionate people, and passionate places!

2009 Landscape and Heritage events include:

28-31 May
Hadrian’s Wall: The Living Frontier
Hadrian's Wall has marked a frontier from Roman times to the present day. This programme of events taking place at various locations along the wall will bring the frontier story to life through dramatic re-enactments – from Romans, Border Reivers, civil war troopers and through to the modern day. Culminating in a large scale pageant which will see how life along Hadrian’s Wall has changed over 1,600 years – The Living Frontier is an ambitious and exciting project taking place right across Hadrian's Wall!

28 July - 8 August
WILDWORKS: The Beautiful Journey
The Beautiful Journey is a large scale promenade performance from Cornish-based WILDWORKS and North East performers taking you on a stirring outdoor adventure around a working shipyard on the Mouth
of the Tyne. Imagining a mass exodus, the audience will embark on a journey into an unknown future.

September (TBC)
Avison Live and Improvised

25 September – 11 October (TBC)
Reinventing the City
A set of major exhibitions, new films, public events and debates focusing on Tyneside’s cultural heritage over the past 200 years.

22 - 25 October
Odin’s Glow: Roseberry Topping
Light and performance on Roseberry Topping as a mountain is transformed into an artwork – Odin’s Glow will highlight the dramatic landscape of Redcar and Cleveland.

Late November/December
Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall
This winter will celebrate the stunning landscape and exciting heritage of Hadrian's Wall via a series of lighting experiences and events.

Click here to read a top 10 of heritage places in the region

2009 will also see the return of some of the region’s popular annual festivals and events, and the arrival of a host of others.

6 – 15 March
Newcastle ScienceFest

2 - 4 April
International Village of Culture

2 - 17 May
EAT! NewcastleGateshead Food Festival

14 May
Stockton Infinity Bridge Opening

15 – 16 May
The Late Shows

14 - 18 May
England v West Indies
nPower Test Series

22 - 25 May
Evolution

12 - 14 June
Northern Rock Cyclone

26 June - 4 Oct
Northern Print Biennale

4 - 19 July
Brass: Durham International Festival

17 - 26 July
SummerTyne

31 August
Aviva British Grand Prix

13 September
Tour of Britain
North East Stage

19 - 20 September
Great North Run and Cultural Programme

20 September
England v Australia
Natwest One Day International

19 September - 11 October
Reinventing the City

24 - 25 October
Xperience'09

22 October - 8 November
Juice – NewcastleGateshead’s Festival for Children and Young People

14 November
Gateshead International Cross Country Races

6 - 22 November
Wunderbar Festival

End of November (dates TBC)
Northern Lights Film Festival

Throughout December
NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival

March 2010
AV Festival

Latest details of the events will be announced on www.NewcastleGateshead.com throughout the year.

Image: 'Tyne Bridge 1950' courtesy of Newcastle Libraries and Information Service