Q Festival 2017: My top picks

Q Festival – Quench Your Thirst for Summer is an exciting new collaboration between Gateshead Council and Jesterval Comedy Festival.

It’s coming to the Gateshead Quayside from Friday, July 14, to Sunday, August 6, promising fun summer days and long summer nights.

A beautiful 1920s-themed Spiegeltent in Baltic Square will play host to a vibrant and eclectic cultural programme for adults, children, businesses and families.

This is in addition to Jesterval’s 45 comedy events.

I’ve already booked up for a few events and I’m hoping to make it along to some more.

 

Here are my top picks for Q Festival 2017.

Blogging: Create Your Own Opportunities

Monday, July 17, 6pm – 9pm

£10

The north east has a fantastic blogging community of which I am a very small part. Having attended a previous blogging event organised by The Culture Vulture (read my blog post about it here), I know this will be a night not to be missed, whatever your reason for writing. The speakers include Samantha Rickelton, from North East Family Fun, and Rachel Kershaw, from Life in Geordieland.

 

Drink, Draw, Jammin’ and Paint

Wednesday, July 19, 7pm – 10pm

£8

Artist Bernadette Koranteng will lead a drink and draw session in the Spiegeltent, with themed images to inspire, drawing games to provoke and a group mural to contribute to. The Culture Vulture will be running an Art Jammin’ session.

 

Felt Flower Brooch Workshop

Thursday, July 20, 9.30am to noon

£12

I’m taking myself off to this one for a bit of non-calligraphy related creative time. It’s one of two sessions being run by textile designer Charlotte Liddle, from Pimms and Needles, the other being a patchwork lavender bag workshop.

 

Glitz and Glamour: Getting Ready for a Party

Tuesday, July 25, 6.30pm to 10pm

£15

Another session I’ve booked onto with a friend. Costume historian Meridith Towne will give a talk based on her wardrobe of original vintage dresses, there’s a pop-up shop from TrendListr and every attendee will receive a craft kit from The Crafthood to take home.

 

Screenage Kids present Dumbo

Friday, July 28, 11am – 1pm

£6 (adults) £5 (children) £20 (family ticket) under-2s free

The chance to watch Disney classic Dumbo in the circus-themed Spielgeltent – what’s not to love? Plus, there’s fun activities, face painting and circus food. This was one of the first things to go on our summer holiday bucket list.

 

The Big 90s Pop Culture Quiz

Wednesday, August 2, 7pm – 10pm

£10 per table

I’d love to put a team together for this one! No 28’s quiz mistress Cheish Merryweather will be testing your knowledge 9and love) of all things 90s.

 

For the full programme and further updates, visit the festival website here.