The two-day after-hours cultural crawl that is The Late Shows returns in May, and this year over 70 vibrant venues are taking part.

When The Late Shows’ programme is announced each year, my wandering eye usually alights on something that makes me think: “Hello! I’ll have a bit of that!” This year, that honour has fallen to Berlin-based artist Jorn Ebner (pictured) who will be presenting ‘BEE DJ in the North’ at Vane in Gateshead.  Using bee sound samples – yep, you heard that right: bee sound samples – his live sets are both atmospheric and an invitation to dance. There will also be a bee waggle dance workshop (but of course there will). But this event is just one taken from a myriad of free delights on offer this year in venues scattered right across Newcastle and Gateshead. Other highlights include: Crafts & Ice Cream at Shieldfield Art Works (a creative evening of crafting, eating ice-cream and contributing to the new “Creating Fallow” arts program); Late Night at the Farm Yard (experience Ouseburn Farm after dark with animal feeding, farmyard games and delicious food); Victoria Tunnel Taster Tours (delve into Newcastle’s hidden history below the ground); Revamp and Recycle with Gateshead Libraries (learn sustainable fashion skills); Gateway Studios hosts Then, Now and HERE: Black and Global Majority heritage in dance, arts and cultural expression (celebrating Black and Global Majority cultural heritage through sights, sounds, talks and creative dance performances); NCL Cobalt Takeover (contribute your own art to the walls, and enjoy music from L.A.D.’s pop-up); Newcastle Cathedral Torchlit Churchyard Tours (uncover the mysteries and stories of local legends and historical figures); Press Play at Tyneside Cinema (immerse yourself in film history + chats with heritage guides + family-friend animation activities + cocktails for adults); and THE HERDS at Great North Museum: Hancock (contribute to a large-scale collaborative artwork inspired by THE HERDS, exploring the museum after hours with Moving Parts Arts).

The Late Shows, Friday 16 & Saturday 17 May, free. Full programme: thelateshows.org.uk/2025