As the days get longer and the weather is (hopefully!) starting to improve, we've rounded up some of the best things to look forward to in the North East.
Whether it's a pint at the recently re-named Shearer's Bar or seeing Florence and the Machine as they return to Newcastle for the first time in years, there's plenty going on across the region in the coming months.
Let's take a look at some of the highlights.
Black Eyed Peas
Music icons Black Eyed Peas will headline LooseFest on Newcastle Town Moor this summer.
The festival promises a rare chance for Black Eyed Peas to catch up with rappers will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo who, following their four-year hiatus, now have a new singer - J. Rey Soul - to replace Fergie. The 'I Got A Feeling' and 'Where Is The Love' hit-makers will join the other big names on the bill including 'Rather Be' star Clean Bandit and local DJ legend Patrick Topping.
LooseFest will be held from July 30 to 31 and those interested in attending are invited to register their interest online here.
Martini and Gin Festival Newcastle
Billed as the event for anyone who loves great cocktails, the Martini & Gin Festival will take place at Newcastle Civic Centre on Saturday, March 19.
Organised by the creators of the incredibly popular Prosecco and Gin Festivals, the event is a celebration of some of the nation's favourite cocktails, along with a selection of quirky twists. Drinkers can expect a well-stocked bar and live music at the festival, which will run from 1pm to 10pm. Visit here for tickets.
Shearer's Bar returns to St James' Park
Many Newcastle United fans will be looking forward to having their first pint at Shearer's Bar when it reopens under its former name.
St James’ Park’s main bar opened in 2004 and was named after Toon legend Alan Shearer, however, it has been run as the Nine Bar since 2013. But now the club's new owners have given the bar back its original name to the delight of supporters.
The bar is currently closed while it undergoes a revamp but the hope is to have it back open in time for the game against Wolves on April 8.
Florence and the Machine
Florence and the Machine will play their first live show since 2019 in Newcastle next month.
It will take place at the O2 City Hall on April 15 and is one of just three performances that the band are playing ahead of their fifth album Dance Fever, which will be released on May 13. They have already released three songs off the album: 'King,' 'Heaven Is Here' and 'My Love,' which fans will all be hoping to hear along with other new tracks and old favourites.
Hardwick Festival
Stereophonics and The Specials will headline the Hardwick Festival in County Durham this summer.
The bands will take top slot on consecutive nights of the festival which will be making a return to Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield from August 20 and 21. The line-up for the event this year's event includes The Proclaimers, Seasick Steve and Jake Bugg with more additions to the bill to come.
For more information or to buy tickets see here.
Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival
The popular Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival is set to make a welcome return after two years' absence.
The rescheduled festival will come bouncing back to Northumbria University from April 6 to 9. It will be the 44th outing for the annual event which has been postponed since 2019 because of the pandemic. There will be 100 beers and 50 ciders on tap at the festival site from a variety of breweries ranging from tiny quirky set-ups to established names.
