Opened in 1927, the City Hall was Newcastle's first purpose-built concert venue. Initially home to classical performances, the last many years has seen it host everything from The Beatles to Weather Report, Billy Connolly to Roy Chubby Brown and various points between. The eighties and nineties saw a drop off in really top-class acts appearing as bigger venues made more economic sense to touring acts. However the City Hall can still claim some key medium size events and it remains an important venue. It has good sight lines (if you avoid the side balconies upstairs) and reasonably good acoustics, but the basement bar has seen better days. Limited wheelchair access.

One of the best provincial theaters in the UK, the Theatre Royal is situated on Grey Street, the most architecturally striking street in the city. Designed by Richard Grainger in 1837, the current building was refurbished in the late eighties. Its importance can be seen in the yearly residency of the Royal Shakespeare Company and in the breadth of star-name touring productions (drama, musicals, ballet, contemporary dance and opera) that it attracts. The theater runs a program of extra events: talks, master class recitals, workshops, lunches, and pre-performance suppers. Guided tours of the building are also available.

Once known as the Carling Academy Newcastle, its stage was graced by the likes of The Beatles. The venue re-opened as O2 Academy Newcastle and since then has established itself as one of the premiere music venues in Northeast England. It boasts of a magnificent auditorium with original features in the balcony, stairway and ceiling. Check out the who's who of the British indie scene or groove to the beats of local DJs that spin rock, metal, punk, and ska tunes.

Opened in 1995, the Utilita Arena has rapidly become one of the city's premiere locations for concerts, indoor sporting events, and exhibitions of all kinds. With a capacity of over 11000, the facility has managed to attract stars such as Oasis, Simply Red, and Shirley Bassey to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Shows such as Riverdance and Disney on Ice specials have also featured. For sports fans, the arena plays host to the Newcastle Eagles basketball, and Newcastle Jesters ice hockey teams.

Constructed in 1997, the Stadium of Light is the home of the Sunderland AFC soccer team and has a seating capacity of around 49,000. Join the thousands of supporters who assemble every game day to cheer for the home team. The stadium also plays host to various cultural events and concerts the year round.

The Sunderland Empire Theatre is a veritable haven for lovers of theatrical spectacles. You will see a host of events and plays that can be attended by a varied audience. Choose from a gamut of plays for kids, musicals, comedy shows and music and dance performances to suit your tastes.