the Great Exhibition of the North will run for 80 days from 22 June – 9 September and will be a stage to showcase arts, culture, innovation and design in the North. It is intended to be family-friendly and free.

For the whole 80 days

The Design Trail (One of the three trails) will run from the Great North Museum: Hancock to the Ouseburn (from the Biscuit Factory to the Tanners Arms, down Stepney Bank, past Ouseburn Farm along the Riverside Walkway to the Tyne Bar and Cycle Hub) then over to Gateshead. There will be an app that guides visitors along the route.

Winged Tales of the North playful and imaginative street art trail inspired by new flash fiction by David Almond with of intriguing works showcasing the talent of artists, designers and makers from across the area. Admire stunning murals, marvel at new temporary sculptures and engage with artworks that spark curiosity and invite exploration.This is presented by Seven Stories and curated by artist Kate Drummond.

As part of this Seven Stories present a new exhibition Where your wings were -  a journey through Tyneside  discovering how its landscapes, language and people inspired the magical stories of David Almond. Bringing to life Almond’s archive, the exhibition explores themes of love, loss and hope though characters real and imagined. Meet angels and devils, question what it means to be human and experience the North East through the eyes of one of its most creative sons. 

The Biscuit Factory design | innovate | craft  Exhibition dates: 1 June- 31 August - an exhibition by designer-makers from the North of England. Selected for their innovative use of materials, application, method or presentation, this exhibition showcases work for sale, across a range of disciplines including furniture, ceramics, jewellery and printmaking. This show champions new approaches within the world of craft, presenting accessible pieces to live with or wear. A public programme of creative workshops, talks and seminars will support this exhibition,

Ouseburn Trust has been working with the Universities Architecture Departments on a design competition to create a contemporary bandstand outside the Culvert entrance – the winning design will be built for use over the summer (offers and suggestions for using the bandstand are invited)

Made in Ouseburn display in Ouseburn Trust’s 55 Lime Street using photos from Open Studios – other contributions (photos, film and items) welcome .

Look out for a Tech Totem on the Village Green - a city experimentation platform designed to sense the environment, capture local sentiment and measure the impact of interventions. More information soon!

Reprinting of 30 years of Regeneration leaflet with update for additional 5 years.

Calendar of events

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June  The Biscuit Factory Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - working with GNCCF this summer who will be hosting their first award winning designer-maker fair outside of Manchester  in The Biscuit Room. Space for up to 50 stalls showcasing Northern makers. The fair will be taking place over the opening weekend of the Great Exhibition on 23/24 June 10-4 both days and will be free for the public to enter.  If you are interested in applying please contact them directly here

Saturday 7 NARC.fest and Sunday 8 July Ouseburn Festival  with programme and map showing all participating venues distributed – good opportunity to take part and be included in this – send your offer to Colin Hagan by 7 May. This year’s theme – Tales of the Riverbank.

Sunday 26 August Ouseburn Valley Cross The iconic Ouseburn Valley Cross will be returning this August, with cycling on streets and cobbles, over bridges, up steps and around the woodland paths of Ouseburn, plus more opportunities to get involved, more to do and better vantage points for spectating.

Look out for 'The Great Northern Grass Roots Music Sessions at Little Buildings - details and dates to be confirmed.