Great Exhibition of the North - Frequently Asked Questions! The Great Exhibition of the North takes place 22 June – 9 September and we’re expecting a huge number of visitors to the city – many will be first time visitors. This fact sheet of frequently asked questions should help answer any queries your guests, customers or colleagues may have.

To find out more information:

www.GetNorth2018.com info@GetNorth2018.com Twitter / Facebook / Instagram #GetNorth2018

What is it?Great Exhibition of the North is a FREE summer-long celebration of everything that is great about the North of England. Taking place at over 30 venues across Newcastle and Gateshead it will feature a packed programme of amazing exhibitions, live performances, new artwork, music and activities for all the family.

When is it? The Exhibition opens at 1pm on Friday 22 June and runs through to Sunday 9 September 2018. The majority of venues are open every day from 10am – 6pm (but some will be operating different hours – visitors should be encouraged to check the website for details or download the free app as some installations and exhibits may not be open for the full run of the Exhibition).

Are tickets needed?The majority of exhibits and events are free and unticketed. However some are ticketed to manage visitor numbers and capacity. Visitors should be encouraged to check the website for details.

Navigating the Exhibition With three hubs and over 30 venues along the three trails, there is plenty for visitors to see and do. Each of the three trails has a distinctive colour palette and pattern to help people navigate their way around the Exhibition. You’ll also find installations scattered across NewcastleGateshead.

VenuesHUBS: - Great North Museum, Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art CITYWIDE: Look out for installations and activities taking place across Newcastle and Gateshead.

Maps and Apps Encourage visitors to pick up the brochure (detailing all events, activities and installations) and a folded map (see visual below) to navigate their way around the Exhibition. If you would like to have a stock of brochures to give out to your visitors / guests please get in touch with info@getnorth2018.com. There is also an app (available on iOS and Android) for digital wayfinding which also includes some fun games and activities to keep the kids entertained. Printed maps will be available to pick up from all the participating venues and our team of volunteers.

ART TRAIL: Northern Stage, Carliol House, Side Gallery, The Gate, intu Eldon Square, BALTIC 39, Theatre Royal, Grey’s Monument, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle City Library, Live Theatre, St Mary’s Heritage Centre, NewBridge Project, Workplace Gallery

DESIGN TRAIL: Northumbria University, The Biscuit Factory, Ouseburn Valley, Seven Stories the National Centre for Children’s Books, Toffee Factory, Northern Design Centre

INNOVATION TRAIL: Northern Stage, Newcastle University (Herschel Building), Newcastle Helix, Discovery Museum, Mosley Street, The Mining Institute, Lit & Phil, Cooper’s Studios, Life Science Centre, The Old Post Office (NBS), Stephenson Quarter, Northern Design Centre

The Get North Volunteers We’ve recruited a cast of 1,000 volunteers who will be working at venues and across the city for the full 80 days of the Exhibition. Our Get North Volunteers will be easy to spot in branded uniforms and fully briefed to answer questions relating to the Exhibition and provide a friendly welcome to visitors.

Our highlights With so much going on – it’s useful to know what are the ‘must sees’ that visitors will want to see and experience while they’re here!

Get North Water Sculptures – every hour of the Exhibition (between 10am and 11pm) the River Tyne will be transformed by a spectacular display. There are three specially commissioned music tracks, visitor can download to listen to as part of the display.

The Return of Stephenson’s Rocket – the world’s first steam locomotive was designed and built in Newcastle and is on loan at Discovery Museum as part of their Exhibition. Visitors can also experience the original Rocket through an immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality experience.

Which Way North at Great North Museum will take visitors on an adventure into the revolutionary North. Star exhibits include world-famous examples of great Northern art, design and innovation including: Damien Hirst’s Heaven, Helen Sharman’s space suit, George Cayley’s glider and even models of Postman Pat!

World-class contemporary art will transform the cityscape. Look out for spectacular installations on Gateshead Quays and at Grey’s Monument. BALTIC’s gallery spaces will showcase the very best in contemporary artists all with links to the North. Image shows ‘The Workers Maypole’, created by Zoe Walker and Neil Bromwich and BALTIC.

LEGO® Timeline of Northern Innovation – visitors can explore what the North of England has done for the world through the medium of LEGO®.

The Opening Event On Friday 22 June there will be an opening event on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside. This event is free, but ticketed (and tickets are fully allocated). There are a number of road closures and restrictions in place throughout the day that may impact on your guests and visitors, customers and colleagues.

Please check the website for details www.getnorth2018.com/events/get-north-opening-event/

Places to eat and drinkVisitors will be looking for places to eat and drink during their time here. Many of the restaurants and bars across NewcastleGateshead have developed special menus ‘Inspired By’ the Great Exhibition of the North.

www.getnorth2018.com/inspired-by-great-exhibition-of-the-north/

Pop-up Events during Great Exhibition of the North Make sure your guests and visitors don’t miss these amazing pop-up events taking place during the Exhibition.

1 Up North 2 – 15 July Northumbria University A two week showcase of the best gaming from across the North. FREE but ticketed.

www.getnorth2018.com/venues/1up-north/

Northern Powerhouse Business Summit4 – 6 July The Boiler ShopA three day business showcase with an outstanding line up of speakers, workshops and activities. The event will shine a light on the innovative businesses across the North and a high profile list of confirmed speakers. This is a ticketed event.

www.getnorth2018.com/business/

Get North Family Expo 2 – 9 August St James’ Park Eight days dedicated to inventing, playing and tinkering with ideas. This is a chance for kids to explore the part they might play in the north of tomorrow. During the week there will be free bookable workshop sessions and drop in family activities.

Over the weekend (4 – 5 August) St James’ Park will be transformed with an immersive and dynamic exhibition packed with hands-on activities, workshops. This will tie in with Newcastle United’s Family Fun Day and friendly match against FC Augsburg (3pm kick off, Saturday 4 August).

www.getnorth2018.com/events/get-north-family-expo/