Tag Archives: Newcastle

JANGO FLASH – Newcastle alt-rockers share ‘My Mercedes’

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JANGO FLASH - Newcastle alt-rockers share 'My Mercedes' | released July 28th Inbox

Photo Credit: Adam Thirtle.

Newcastle alt-rockers Jango Flash announce their arrival with scintillating effort ‘My Mercedes’, set for release July 28th ahead of their first ever UK tour dates.

A thrilling indication of the self-proclaimed ‘kamikaze-pop’ outfit’s glittering potential, ‘My Mercedes’ marks the band’s frenetic introduction onto the emerging scene, having locked themselves away in their riverside lair writing and recording a batch of new material over the last twelve months.

Fronted by producer and songwriter Jack Angus Golightly, the band’s feverish indie licks have already won early acclaim across the press landscape via key indie titans The Line Of Best Fitand Clash, whilst spins on the BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Radio X airwaves have certainly solidified their rising status as one of the North East’s hottest prospects.

Discussing the context behind the track, charismatic frontman Golightly explained: “‘My Mercedes’ was written as a dialogue between two best friends at bad places in their lives. My mum was a single mother travelling the world with my brother and working three jobs. Along the road she ended up in an oppressive relationship prior to meeting my dad, yet fortunately found the strength to kick back, protect my brother and get herself out of it. It was my mum’s friend that gave her the nickname “Mercedes” because she found elegance and strength in the way she carried herself through life. Whenever she writes to my mum she always starts with, “Dear my Mercedes”. So I opened the song like a letter, and finished the rest in a night.

This pandemic has ramped up the tension in people’s lives to breaking point. Domestic abuse figures skyrocketed, and I ended up hearing horror stories from friends of mine. This is close to home and something that I wanted to discuss, because no one should have to live with abuse and should always have support to find strength and speak out.”

Jango Flash’s ‘My Mercedes’ is out July 28th and will be available on all digital platforms.

Jango Flash is Jack Angus Golightly (vocals), Ed Smith (drums), Adam Dixon (guitar), Sam Frame (guitar), Alex Mitton (bass)

Live Dates
7th Aug – Anarchy Brewery, Newcastle
27th Aug – 13th Note, Glasgow
1st Sept – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
2nd Sept – Victoria Vaults, York
4th Sept – The Cluny, Newcastle
25th Sept – Gathering Sounds Festival, Stockton Arts Centre
13th Oct – EBGB’s, Liverpool
19th Oct – Lending Room, Leeds
20th Oct – The Fulford Arms, York

 

Where should I go for drinks in Newcastle?

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With a stunning quayside, buzzing nightlife and picturesque surroundings, it’s no wonder Newcastle Upon Tyne is thought of as one of the UK’s best locations for a weekend away. Whether it’s a night out with the lads, the girls, a couple’s weekend or a lively stag or hen do, there’s something for everyone.

Whilst visiting the northern city, it’s only natural to want a taste of the famous nightlife. To make sure you’ve got options – whatever the reason for your trip – Newcastle hostel provider Euro Hostels has gathered together a list of some of the best venues so you can head straight oot on the toon.

For a pint with a view

Name: The Free Trade Inn

Summary: As one of Newcastle’s oldest pubs, The Free Trade Inn caters for real beer and ale drinkers. As well as being a cracking boozer, it also boasts one of the best views of the area – looking down at the River Tyne and its bridges. Make sure to say hi to Craig David, the pub cat, too.

Address: 2 St Lawrence Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1AP

Website: N/a
Get social:

 Facebook

 Twitter
 Instagram

Trip Advisor rating: Four Stars

Trip Advisor mentions include:

  •   Free jukebox
  •   Pub cat
  •   Good selection of real ales
  •   Beer selection
  •   Famous view

Opening hours:

  •   Monday 11:00 – 23:00
  •   Tuesday 11:00 – 23:00
  •   Wednesday 11:00 – 23:00
  •   Thursday 11:00 – 23:00
  •   Friday 11:00 – 00:00
  •   Saturday 11:00 – 00:00
  •   Sunday 11:00 – 23:00

 

 

For a casual drink that can last all night

Name: Lady Grey’s

Summary: Situated in the centre of Newcastle, Lady Grey’s is a gem of a pub. There is something for everyone – with cask ales, craft beers, wines – and top-notch pub snacks like cheese boards and sausage rolls. Lady Grey’s is perfect for a sneaky pit stop, or if you’re looking to settle in for an hour or two.

Address: Shakespeare Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 6AQ

Website: www.ladygreys.co.uk
Get social:

 Facebook

 Twitter
 Instagram

Trip Advisor rating: Four stars

Trip Advisor mentions include:

  •   Sausage rolls
  •   City centre pub
  •   Sunday fayre
  •   Guest beers
  •   Real ale
  •   Friendly atmosphere

Opening hours:

  •   Monday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Tuesday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Wednesday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Thursday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Friday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Saturday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Sunday 11:00 – 02:00

 

For gin lovers

Name: Pleased To Meet You

Summary: PTMY appreciates the craftsmanship of the perfect gin and tonic – it’s truly a gin-lovers paradise. Here, you can design your dream G&T – choose from over 50 gins, add a tonic (anything from herbal to lemon) and finish with a garnish of coffee beans, rose petals, cherries and more.

Address: 41-45 High Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1EW

Website: www.ptmy-newcastle.co.uk

Get social:

 Facebook

 Twitter

 Instagram

Trip Advisor rating: Four stars

Trip Advisor mentions include:

  •   Gin menu
  •   Great decors
  •   Sharing platter
  •   Great cocktails
  •   Saturday night
  •   Gins
  •   Fab

Opening hours:

  • Monday 11- 01.00
  •   Tuesday 11:00 – 01:00
  •   Wednesday 11:00 – 01:00
  •   Thursday 11:00 – 01:00
  •   Friday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Saturday 11:00 – 02:00
  •   Sunday 11:00 – 01:00

 

For dining and drinks

Name: Lola Jeans

Summary: When you need a pit stop from shopping, Lola Jeans is the perfect spot for drinks and lunch to re-charge your batteries. This pub is perfect for lovers of a ‘quirky’ décor, with delicious food (gourmet steak sandwich, anyone?) and cocktails at its core.

Address: 1-3 Market St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6JE

Website: www.lolajeans.co.uk

Get social:

 Facebook

 Twitter
  Instagram

Trip Advisor rating: Four stars

Trip Advisor mentions include:

  •   Steak
  •   Triple cooked chips
  •   John Dillinger
  •   Audrey Hepburn
  •   Sharing board
  •   Lovely window seater

Opening hours:

  •   Monday 12:00 – 00:00
  •   Tuesday 12:00 – 00:00
  •   Wednesday 12:00 – 00:00
  •   Thursday 12:00 – 00:00
  •   Friday 12:00 – 02:00
  •   Saturday 12:00 – 02:00
  •   Sunday 12:00 – 00:00

 

 

For a bit of live music

Name: Tyne Bar

Summary: For live music and a choice of real ales, visit the Tyne Bar – located in Newcastle’s Ouseburn. Especially popular on sunny days, this pub has a chilled-out vibe and is situated under a bridge arch, which adds to its independent style.

Address: 1 Maling St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LP

Website: www.thetyne.com

Get social:

 Facebook

 Twitter

 Instagram

Trip Advisor rating: Four and a half stars

Trip Advisor mentions include:

  •   Sunny day
  •   Beers and lagers
  •   Outside seating area
  •   Free jukebox
  •   Excellent atmosphere
  •   Real ale
  •   Lovely food

Opening hours:

  •   Monday 12:00 – 23:00
  •   Tuesday 12:00 – 23:00
  •   Wednesday 12:00 – 23:00
  •   Thursday 12:00 – 23:00
  •   Friday 12:00 – 00:00
  •   Saturday 12:00 – 00:00
  •   Sunday 12:00 – 22:30

 

Gransthread: Roots, and how many of us revisit them? By Margaret Graham

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It’s strange to return to our ‘roots’. This weekend we took a train to Newcastle, which is where my mum, a Geordie, had one of the few pleasurable experiences in her young life. Her dad took her to see Peter Pan in between the wars, and a short while later, he died.

 

Mum was born in 1914 in the pit village of Washington, which was then in County Durham. Her Da wasn’t a pitman but he and his brother ran a couple of shops. Mum’s was in Brady Square, which still exists in Washington Station, though as a house. Her mum died when mum was two. My grandma, Annie, was off her head with sepsis and took poison. Mum’s dad was at war, Mum’s brother, my uncle Stan, was seven.

 

We think times are hard now, but you ain’t seen nothing, if you weren’t living then. The depression was in high gear, war trauma was rife, jobs were scarce. My grandfather killed himself when mum was eleven, soon after he had taken his children to Peter Pan. Post Traumatic Stress, which is one of the reasons I started the charity Words for the Wounded.

 

I’m not really sure of sections of my mother’s life, but I do know she ran amuck as an orphan until a cousin came to Washington from Gosforth, looking for her. This cousin took mum, now 14, to live with her, sending her to school. Into a class of 7 year olds little Annie Newsome (as she was called) went, to learn to read and write. In time Mum, also an Annie, trained as a nurse.

 

She worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital as the 2nd World War broke out, and is mentioned in Brenda McBryde’s book, A Nurse’s War. Mum became a military nurse, travelled to India to look after the troops in the Burma campaign, meeting my dad, an RAF pilot, on the convoy going over.

 

As children my sisters and I used to go to Uncle Stan’s shop for our school holidays. It was the shop where my grandfather died. It is now a house and we were shown round by the current owner last year. My mother would have been sitting up on a cloud roaring with laughter, because he told us the shop was bought on my uncle’s death by a Madam, who ran a knocking shop, until closed down by the police. She spent a bit of time in clink and featured in a national newspaper. Tall story or the truth? Who knows.

 

Anyway, now I go up north as often as I can. It has changed beyond measure. The pits are gone, the slag heaps too. It is steadily regenerating. Though it has changed it is still ‘home’ and to arrive is a relief, to leave is not. It is an area that informed my writing. Indeed, my first novel After the Storm was based on events in mum’s life. My writing gave my mum immense pleasure. She liked to paint, my father wrote poetry. Perhaps between them they gave me a talent, but it was the north east which gave me inspiration, and continues to do so.

 

www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

www.margaret-graham.com

 

 

Newcastle’s Kosoti to Release Bark and Sticks

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Kosoti are a six piece alt folk/indie pop group based in the North East of England, UK.


After a near death experience in 2013, lead singer and songwriter Allan Hyslop realised he needed to treasure every moment of his life by doing what he loved most, writing and performing music. 
 
Once the band had formed they travelled a long way very quickly. After only six months they released ‘War’ and ‘Pirouettes’, a double ‘A’ sided digital single and video, before releasing the beautiful ‘Cradle’ EP, with its lush, homemade video complimenting the feeling of the title track perfectly.  Both releases brought Kosoti critical acclaim and word spread, ensuring the band performed their debut show at Sage Gateshead Hall Two to a sell out audience.Kosoti
Having already performed sessions for BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and Metro Radio in their short career, their new single ‘Bark and Sticks’ is eagerly awaited by fans and media outlets alike.
 
‘Bark and Sticks’ boasts the beautiful vocal harmonies that are quickly becoming Kosoti’s trademark, with an infectious up-tempo melody that will no doubt draw comparisons to The Magic Numbers and Damien Rice.

 

 

Joe McElderry set for a home run for Teenage Cancer Trust

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Joe McElderry will be taking part in the Great North Run for the third year running to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

 

Joe, who is the charity’s celebrity ambassador and North East Patron, completed last year’s 13.1 mile race in 1 hour and 40 minutes and smashed his fundraising target by raising over £10,000. All monies raised from sponsorship will go towards developing Teenage Cancer Trust services and facilities for young people diagnosed with cancer in the North East.

 

Joe, whose new album is out now, has been fitting in training around his packed schedule. He said, “Completing the Great North Run last year was such a great experience. The atmosphere was incredible and I was really happy with my time.”

 

Talking about Teenage Cancer Trust, he adds, “Teenage Cancer Trust is an absolutely amazing charity. Their units feel like home and really help to boost morale for the young people being treated there. Not only do they look great, but there is a real family atmosphere in the charity and I love that! With the help of my fans, I know we can raise loads of money to help young people fight cancer. Please help me to reach my target and donate £5 by texting JOE91 to 70500.*”

 

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the six young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every day.  We build specialist units within NHS hospitals bringing young people together to be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them.  We want every young person with cancer to have access to this specialist support, no matter where they live.

 

Traditionally treated alongside children or elderly patients at the end of their lives, young people can feel extremely isolated during treatment, some never meeting another young person with cancer.  Being treated alongside others their own age can make a huge difference to their whole experience.  There are currently 22 Teenage Cancer Trust units across the country, including two in Newcastle – both of which Joe helped to officially open.

 

Teenage Cancer Trust also educates young people and health professionals about cancer to ensure a swift diagnosis and referral to specialist support.  Cancer in young people is rare but we want young people to know the common signs and symptoms so they can seek medical advice if they are worried.

 

There are over 90 runners in Teenage Cancer Trust’s Team this year, and their cheering squad will be based at Simonside Youth Centre, between miles 8 and 9 from 10am on the morning of the race. To get involved, email Emily.fitzwater@teenagecancertrust.org or call 020 7612 0720.

 

* Please text JOE91 to 70500 to donate £5 and help Joe raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity will receive 100% of every donation

https://www.justgiving.com/Joe-McElderry0

 

 

For more information about Teenage Cancer Trust visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

Can’t sell Cole to Newcastle

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With a car crash last week which left her with a bloody nose and her arm in a sling, things are going from bad to worse for Cheryl with tickets to her Newcastle show being ditched in her home town, with some tickets being listed on viagogo, Europe’s largest ticket marketplace,  below face value for just £25.

 

Despite being born and raised just around the corner from Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena where she’ll be performing on 16th and 17th October, it appears the Geordie’s are unshore and will not be Calling her Name in the crowd.

 

Viagogo’s Ed Parkinson said: “It’s seems that the saying is ringing true – you can’t sell Cole to Newcastle.  We’re really surprised to see that even top seats are selling for less than their face value for Cheryl’s upcoming tour dates and anyone looking to bag a last minute bargain could get themselves some amazing seats.”

 

The Hunger Games Live Reaping, Win Tickets To Premiere

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THE O2 ARENA HOSTS A FAN SCREENING OF THE 15 CERTIFICATE VERSION OF THE HUNGER GAMES AND LIVE REAPING ON TOP OF THE O2!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN…. Monday 3rd September sees the release of the phenomenally successful film, The Hunger Games on 2-disc DVD, 2-disc Blu-Ray, TVOD and digital download formats

To open the celebrations, last night London’s O2 Arena played host to a very exciting event to celebrate the release of Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games this coming Monday. Fans were treated to an exclusive screening of the 15 certificate version of the movie, previously not screened in the UK, hosted by friends of Panem and top UK entertainment site Digital Spy. To let fans get even closer to the action and really fill the shoes of Katniss Everdeen the screening was hosted at Cineworld at the O2’s D-Box theatre so attendees could feel every heart-wrenching moment of the games!

As well as the chance for fans to see the 15 certificate of the hit film, 12 lucky competition winners, our very own Tributes, also had the amazing opportunity to ascend the O2 to take part in a live reaping on top of the Arena itself. Our winning tribute Ryan Crane from Leytonstone, London, received a pair of tickets to the World Premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire for his bravery and courage in scaling the famous London structure! Our plucky winner said: “The event was brilliant, it was really windy when we got to the top and really dramatic. I’m so excited to be going to the world premier, it was so unexpected. I dorkily hugged the guy when I won, it was quite embarrassing!”

The Hunger Games super fans show their District respect at the exclusive screening of the 15 certificate version of the hit film at the O2 Arena last night. (picture of three fingered salute on top of the Arena)

 

FANS OF THE HUNGER GAMES URGED TO ‘CHECK-IN’ AT HMV STORES FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN BIG!
  • 12 HMV stores to host a ‘Live Reaping’ on Sunday 2nd September to celebrate the DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download release of The Hunger Games.
  • Fans checking-in via Foursquare have a chance to win prizes and a pair of tickets to the UK premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
  • Culminating in national ‘Capitol’ live reaping at 3pm

To celebrate the release of the phenomenally successful film, The Hunger Games on 2-disc DVD, 2-disc Blu-Ray, TVOD and digital download formats

In tribute to the science fiction blockbuster, twelve HMV stores around the UK and Ireland have been selected to act as special regional ‘districts’ on Sunday, 2nd September – the day before release.

Fans of The Hunger Games who visit one of the 12 participating stores on Sunday 2nd between 2pm and 3pm can check into the applicable HMV store’s Foursquare account. They will then be automatically entered into a regional ‘Reaping’ whereby two names or ‘Tributes’ from each District will be put forward for a very special Reaping taking place in ‘The Capitol’ the same day – at HMV’s Flagship Oxford Street store.

In the Oxford Street store, a ‘Capitol Representative’ will conduct a live Reaping after 3pm. They will select names from two fish bowls, just like in the film. The first name will be taken from a bowl holding the names of the 24 Regional District winners.  The second name will be taken from a bowl holding all the names of attendees at Oxford Street branch. These two lucky Tributes will each win a pair or tickets to UK premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – the next instalment of the series.

Although only a select few can be chosen as Tributes to battle for the ultimate prize, 100 lucky attendees at each store will have the opportunity to purchase the HMV exclusive 3 disc double play steelbook a full day ahead of the national release. In additional the 24 regional tributes will each receive a The Hunger Games goody bag.

See list of participating stores, below.

Participating HMV ‘District’ stores:

1.    hmv Glasgow, 235 Buchanan Street
2.    hmv Edinburgh, 29 Princes Street
3.    hmv Newcastle, 59 Northumberland Street
4.    hmv Manchester, Trafford Centre
5.    hmv Birmingham, Bullring Centre
6.    hmv Leicester, 9/17 High Street
7.    hmv Norwich, 21 Gentlemans Walk
8.    hmv Cardiff, 53/57 Queen Street
9.    hmv Bristol, 24/26 Broadmead
10.  hmv Southampton, 56/58 Above Bar Street
11.  hmv Belfast, 3/6Donegall Arcade
12.  hmv Dublin, 65 Grafton Street
(13) Capitol City reaping: hmv 150 Oxford Street

JOE McELDERRY OFFICIALLY OPENS TEENAGE CANCER TRUST UNIT

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JOE McELDERRY OFFICIALLY OPENS TEENAGE CANCER TRUST UNIT IN NEWCASTLE

Teenage Cancer Trust ambassador Joe McElderry officially opened Teenage Cancer Trust’s new state-of-the-art unit at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

The £220,000 unit opened to patients earlier this year and will provide care for 18 to 24 year olds with cancer from across the North East and Cumbria. It complements the charity’s existing unit at the Great North Children’s hospital for 13-19 year olds. Young people aged 13-24 diagnosed with cancer in the North East now have access to specialist services.

The new unit in Newcastle includes seven inpatient beds and will provide a home from home for many young people and their families. Unlike ‘ordinary’ hospital wards, it has a kitchen, pool table and a recreational area including a digital jukebox and access to media facilities such as the internet, TV and music. The charity has also provided a further en-suite room on Ward 33 for patients who are in isolation after receiving a bone marrow transplant.

The new unit will bring young people together to be treated by teenage cancer experts in an environment tailored to their needs. Designed to feel like a home from home, the walls are bright, each room is individually styled, the furniture is funky and there’s always a place to watch films and surf the net. Combined with specialist nursing staff, the unit has everything to make a young person’s stay in hospital comfortable.

Speaking at the event, Joe said: “Teenage Cancer Trust is an absolutely amazing charity. These units feel like home and really help to boost morale for the young people being treated here. Not only do they look great, but there is a real family atmosphere in the charity and I love that! I’m so proud to have been asked to open this spectacular new unit today and have thoroughly enjoyed looking around and meeting the inspiring young people that are already benefiting from this great service.”

Dave Shaw, Deputy Director of Services at Teenage Cancer Trust, “We are incredibly excited to see the unit up and running and are confident that our patients, their families and unit staff will benefit from the specialist support and care it provides. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Hospital and to everyone who has been involved in supporting Teenage Cancer Trust locally over the last few years.”

The state-of-the-art unit is a result of years of determined fundraising by Teenage Cancer Trust and supporters. Matthew and Hilary Engel lost their 13 year old son Laurie to a rare and aggressive cancer in 2005. Since then the family have raised over £1.1million for Teenage Cancer Trust, and have kindly donated over £160,000 to this new unit in Newcastle. Their tireless fundraising has ensured that young people across the country are treated in an environment suited to their age.

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the six young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every day. We build specialist units within NHS hospitals bringing young people together to be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them. We want every young person with cancer to have access to this specialist support, no matter where they live.

Traditionally treated alongside children or elderly patients at the end of their lives, young people can feel extremely isolated during treatment, some never meeting another young person with cancer. Being treated alongside others their own age can make a huge difference to their whole experience.

Teenage Cancer Trust also educates young people and health professionals about cancer to ensure a swift diagnosis and referral to specialist support. Cancer in young people is rare but we want young people to know the common signs and symptoms so they can seek medical advice if they are worried.

Donations are still needed for the upkeep of Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit and to provide services in the region. For more information about Teenage Cancer Trust and how you can get involved, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

Teenage Cancer Trust’s North East Fundraising Board has pledged to raise £100,000 over the next year to help support teenagers and young adult diagnosed with cancer in the region. All funds raised by the Board will go towards the running costs of both Teenage Cancer Trust units in Newcastle. To kick-start their fundraising, they are holding a Glitz and Glamour ball in October. If you’d like to get involved by sponsoring the event, providing auction prizes or would simply like to find out more please contact Jonathan Wallis by emailing Jonathanwallis@georgefwhite.co.uk