Families and music lovers in Gateshead can look forward to a busy summer, as The Glasshouse International Centre for Music has announced its new Summer Mix Tape programme. Running from July to the end of August 2026, this is the first time the riverside venue has hosted a full summer series since before the pandemic, offering a variety of free and low-cost activities for the community.
The season kicks off on Saturday 4 July 2026, with a free block party held in partnership with the neighbouring Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. This event features music from DJs, various food stalls, and local makers. Later in the month, synthpop pioneer Gary Numan will perform a rare, intimate show on the building’s riverside concourse on Saturday 18 July 2026.
The venue is shifting its focus to become a more accessible space for locals during the day. Saturday mornings will feature a Family Film Club showing movies such as Coco, Sing and Fantasia, while Little Groovers sessions will also be held on select dates, where toddlers can enjoy dance parties with music, bubbles and glow sticks. For those looking for a slower pace, the venue is hosting wellness activities including yoga, drum circles and sound baths, culminating in a full wellness weekend on 15 and 16 August 2026.
Chief Operating Officer Jared Bowers described the programme as an open invitation for residents to use the space in new ways. Whether visiting for a concert, a film or simply to spend time by the river, the goal is for visitors to drop in and experience something new. The season includes a Northern and Modern Soul All-Dayer on Saturday 30 August 2026 in partnership with Tyneside Soul Promotions, and concludes with a silent disco on Sunday 29 August.
Formerly known as Sage Gateshead, the venue was renamed in September 2023 to highlight its status as an independent charity. The iconic structure, designed by Foster + Partners, remains a significant landmark on the Quayside, known for its 630 glass panels.
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