Tickets are now on sale for an after-dark opportunity to enjoy eating, drinking and even salsa dancing in the Grainger Market in Newcastle.
The Great Market Caper - the first of a series of evening events planned for the city centre market - will make its debut in September with a packed line-up of street food, pop-up bars and entertainment with various stages for the likes of live music and comedy. And Sean Bullick, of organiser Let's Stick Together Events, says that this will be only the start of a planned programme of market capers.
Once the regular market traders finish for the day on September 3, there will be whirlwind of activity as his events team moves in to prepare for what will be a rare opportunity for people to wander the historic venue at night and see it transformed with atmospheric lighting, a range of seating and decorations. There will capacity to host up to 2,000 people on the night who will be able to, for instance, stop off in one aisle to catch a DJ set or a performance at the music stage; round another corner and take a cabaret-style seat to enjoy a comedy sketch and then pick a cocktail from one of the five bars being set up for the occasion.
Read more: Guide to Grainger Market - selling everything from a luxury food to 'cheap tabs'
Some of the market's own food stalls will be taking part too while guest pop-ups will include Saltwater Fish Company - Terry Laybourne's business in Fenwick Food Hall - and The Broad Chare which has become renowned for its molten-middle Scotch eggs. The Great Market Caper also will offer a showcase to local entertainers, with popular comedian Gavin Webster being included on the opening programme, as well as up-and-coming talents says Sean.
Sean, a former chief executive of Newcastle's NE1, set up Let's Stick Together Events Ltd with business partner Dan Monteith. Having had plenty experience in hosting local events and keen to help bring a new lease of life to the much-loved Grainger Market, he is focused upon delivering value for money for guests on the night.
Tickets cost £10 and this will include live music all evening, with performers including Jesmond's Zac Younger Banks and Hannah Robinson from Gateshead plus DJ Steve Dunn, alongside more comedians - Lauren Stone and David Hadingham of Whitley Bay’s Felt Nowt comedy club - and even salsa lessons from Chris Pentland, who runs Newcastle's SalSeduce Dance Company.
"Like a sweet shop for grown-ups" is how Sean describes the mix-and-match night of opportunities which will run from 6pm until midnight. The traditional market stalls have the option to open if they want to join in but as the caper event will be past their closing time, Sean suggests they still take advantage of a chance to advertise and attract customers who, considering the cost of living crisis, no doubt will be on the look-out for bargains.
"It's an opportunity to put things up on their shutters showing what they sell and their prices which are really great value," he said. "And they'll have a captive audience!"
Market outlets Acropolis, Snackwallah and La Casa Deli will be opening up for the debut night while more guest food pop-ups are still being added to the mix, including Korean BBQ favourite Soju&Gogi and Chillingham Road's BaoBao and Sobremesa. The space in front of the closed stalls will be utilised during the caper, as will the areas at the market's several entrances which will help house bars selling beer, wine and cocktails.
All entry points will be closed save for the Nelson Street entrance where arriving guests will have first glimpse of the market's transformation. "You can do a lot with lighting and it will look beautiful," says Sean. Following the launch, the plan is for a monthly series of evening capers, with a changing programme on offer.
The hope, if they prove successful, is that they might be held even more frequently, adds Sean. He is also keeping fingers crossed that a special guest who he has hopes of securing for the launch night will be able to make it - so watch this space. To buy tickets, which are £10 plus a 75p booking fee, see here.
Read Next
