About Us
History
Newcastle City Hall prides itself on showcasing the finest acts from around the world, be it Rock, Pop, Comedy or Musicals the biggest names in the business play the City Hall.
The City Hall was opened in 1927 as part of the redevelopment which also includes the City Pool. The Harrison and Harrison Organ was added in 1928 to give Newcastle its first dedicated concert venue.
For almost 40 years the City Hall hosted concerts by major British Orchestras featuring conductors such as Sir Malcolm Sargent and soloists as Yehudi Menuhin and Kathleen Ferrier. In addition local choirs and societies hold their annual concerts here and there were celebrity recitals and talks as well as Civic functions.
The 60's saw the cultural explosion of pop music and the hall was soon playing host to "package tours" featuring The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, as well as Newcastle's own "Animals". Many shows featuring five or six acts such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, Gene Pitney, The Kinks and Marianne Faithful on one bill could be seen for 10/6 (52p) or less.
The City Hall has continued to host almost every rock and pop "great" since the 60's as well as seeing the first tours of future legends. Throughout the 70's, 80's and 90's the City Hall has maintained its position as one of the best and most used 2000 seated venues in the country, and one of many artists favourite gigs. Bruce Springsteen rates the City Hall show in 1981 as one of his three best shows and both Dire Straits and Elton John insisted on starting world tours in the Hall.
As well as music the City Hall has a tremendous reputation for comedy and has seen multiple sell out shows by Billy Connolly, Victoria Wood, Reeves and Mortimer and more recently Little Britain.
Concert Bar
Opening times and pre concert drinks
Join us before and during the interval at the City Halls Concert Bar. Opening before showtime, serving a range of draught and bottled products. At many performances you can save yourself queuing time by placing an interval order before the start of the first half. Please check at the bar for featured performances.
The Concert Bar is open for happy hour between 6.00pm and 7.00pm on show performances. Fosters, John Smith, Woodpecker and Strongbow all £2.00 per pint.
Find us
By car: Accessible (disabled) parking There are two carparks located five minutes away from City Hall. Accessible parking bays are available within John Dobson Street NCP carpark. There are also reserved parking spaces for blue badge holders on Northumberland Road.
By bus: Numerous buses stop at or near the City Hall from John Dobson Street and Sandyford Road. The Haymarket bus station is within five minutes of the City Hall.
By metro: The Haymarket metro station is situated within a five minute walk from the City Hall. Exit the station right onto Northumberland Street. Continue ahead turning left onto Northumberland Road, continue straight ahead at the junction with John Dobson Street, the City Hall is on the left.
By taxi: There is a taxi rank situated on Northumberland Road. Exiting right out of the building onto Northumberland Road and the taxi rank is situated on the left hand side of Northumberland Road beyond John Dobson Street.
Accomodation
For places to stay in Newcastle please see our accomodation guide.
Access information
Induction loop hearing system is provided in the main box office and in the foyer box office.
An infra-red hearing system is available for other events. Equipment must be ordered in advance for this system.
Accessible toilet available in the foyer.
Wheelchair users
The City Hall has 6 seating areas available for every show for wheelchair users. It is necessary for wheelchair seating to be booked in advance, via the box office.
Any customer booking a wheelchair seat will receive comprehensive information on access to the City Hall and its facilities when booking.
Access for wheelchair users is only possible via a side door on College Street. You should see a steward at the front doors who will arrange for this to be opened and a steward will direct you to your seats.
Access to the box office is via College Street and is fully accessible.
There is no access to the basement bar and refreshment area for wheelchair users. Where customers are unable to access these areas due to ambulatory difficulties, a drinks service is provided by City Hall. Members of staff are available and can take drink orders and arrange for them to be brought to the foyer/auditorium, on request.
Download our Access Statement for detailed information on facilities in and around the City Hall.