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Free Family Activities

Hello free activities! Welcome to Summer at Eldon Square with free family activities every weekend in August!

Join us for free family fun every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during August in the Community Quarter, opposite Chatime.

Gather the gang with exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy, from creative workshops to educational activities including arts and crafts, face painting, Lego play and more – there’s something for everyone!

Summer activity line-up:

Friday 2 August, 11am – 3pm

North East Autism Society – Arts & Crafts Fun

To kick-start our Summer of fun, we have teamed up with the North East Autism Society, who for over 40 years, has led the way in providing autism-specific care and education for children, young people, and adults across the North-East of England. They are passionate in providing excellent services for autistic and / or neurodivergent people – and their families.

Activity:

  • Fun Lego play
  • Creative arts and crafts
  • Learn more about the fantastic work the North East Autism Society do to support parents and carers.

Saturday 3 August, 11am – 3pm 

The Children’s Foundation Summer Fun

The Children’s Foundation is a North East children’s charity which focuses on improving the health and well-being of children and young people in the region. Join them for fun-filled afternoon in the Community Quarter.

Activity:

  • Hook the duck
  • Face painting
  • Lucky Dip
  • Summer Crafts

Saturday 9 August, 11am – 3pm

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England

Kynren is a magnificent 8000-seater tribune that offers fantastic views – no matter where you are seated. From 27th July – 14th September, Kynren displays an epic tale of England’s history through a spellbound live-action outdoor theatre spectacular. Kynem immerses you in the telling of a 2,000 year tale: the history of England. The cast and crew of 1000, bring to ground-shaking life the story of invasions, royal splendour, war, heroic sacrifice, daily life and seismic change. Find out more about the incredible events, here. 

We welcome members of the crew of Kynren to join us on 9th August in the Community Quarter for the following activity:

  • Photo-opportunity and meet and greet with a Viking!
  • Medieval props and history of England
  • Find out more about the upcoming Kynren events

Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 August, 11am – 4pm 

Newcastle Castle

Newcastle Castle was built on the site of the fortress that gave the city its name! The team will be on-site in Eldon Square, for an exciting afternoon for families to learn more about the castle and its history, enjoy fun craft activities, and more!

Activity:

  • Exciting craft activities for children.
  • Replica medieval weapons and armour that visitors can try on.
  • Fun sword training for children.
  • Find out more about exciting upcoming activities with Newcastle Castle.

Friday 16 August, 11am – 3pm

Join team Eldon Square for a fun afternoon of creative crafts your little-ones will love!

Activity:

  • Arts & Crafts for the whole family to get creative!

Saturday 17 August, 11am – 3pm 

Newcastle Hospitals Charity

Newcastle Hospitals Charity is the official charity for Newcastle Hospitals, one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK with two of the world’s best hospitals, providing healthcare to communities across the North East.

They help deliver global excellence and local impact providing support for compassionate and innovative healthcare, education, and research including some of the bet centres for children, heart and lung transplantation, genetics and cancer trials in the world.

Activity:

  • Hula Hoop Challenge
  • Capture the cones activity
  • Fun dress-up
  • Meet their mascot, Fudge!
  • Learn about the Newcastle Hospitals Charity and the fantastic work they do.

Sunday 18 & Sunday 25 August, 11am – 4pm

Auckland Castle – The Auckland Project

Embark on a Summer of fun with The Auckland Project’s Programming Team and their exciting castle-making workshop! The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity working to establish Bishop Auckland as a must-visit cultural destination. Their attractions bring the rich and surprising story of Bishop Auckland to life for our visitors and the local community through the arts, culture and heritage.

Activity:

  • An exciting castle-making workshop to design and build your own pop-up castle to take home! This hands-on activity is perfect for children and adults alike, sparking creativity and providing a fun challenge for all ages.
  • The Auckland Castle team will share captivating stories and insights, bringing history to life in an engaging and accessible way.
  • Find out about upcoming events and activities on offer at The Auckland Project, this Summer.

Friday 23 August, 11am – 3pm

Nissan

Calling all automotive fanatics! You won’t want to miss Nissan’s upcoming event in the Community Quarter of Eldon Square. Join The Nissan Skills Foundation for a fun and educational afternoon and find out more about the brilliant work they do with young people in engineering, manufacturing and design.

Activity:

  • An exciting range of car-themed crafts.
  • Learn more about the skills required in the automotive manufacturing industry, through interactive lessons.
  • Find out about the Nissan Skills Foundation and the fantastic services they provide for young people to get involved, in the North East.

Saturday 24 August, 11am – 3pm

Red Sky Foundation

Red Sky Foundation raises vital funds for babies and children with heart problems across the North East. Throughout the weekend, you can visit the Red Sky Foundation stand location in Grey’s Quarter to learn more about CPR and the importance of early defibrillation.

  • Face painting
  • Meet the Red Sky mascot!
  • Find out more about the Red Sky Foundation and the work they do.

Friday 30 August, 11am – 3pm 

PizzaExpress

Join the PizzaExpress team in the Community Quarter and enjoy pizza-themed arts and crafts, including getting to colour in your very own chef’s hat! Make a day of it and fuel-up with a delicious meal at PizzaExpress, Eldon Square. Explore opening times, here.

Activity:

  • Pizza-themed arts and crafts
  • Colour in your own chef’s hat

Saturday 31 August, 11am – 4pm 

North East Family Arts Network

The Family Explorers programme is a project that helps families in North East England enjoy a wider range of cultural experiences. The team will on-site, providing fun arts and crafts, dressing up and educational science activities, whilst promoting North East cultural venues to families who may not usually visit them.

Activity:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Dressing up
  • Science activities including lighting an LED powered by a lemon.
  • Children will have the opportunity to join in a hip-hop dance routine.

Welcome to Summer at Eldon Square! Make a day of it and visit our family-friendly restaurants where kids eat free, find out more here. 

 

Coming Soon: Sephora, Newcastle!

Calling all beauty lovers! It’s official – Sephora is coming to Eldon Square.

The global beauty brand has over 2,500 stores worldwide and we are proud to announce the arrival of the fourth UK store in Newcastle city centre, this Autumn.

Spanning an expansive 6,600 square feet, the new store will showcase a stunning double shop front on St. Andrew’s Way, inviting beauty enthusiasts into a world of endless possibilities and redefining the beauty landscape in the region.

Sephora is renowned for its vast and diverse beauty offerings and prides itself on ‘giving people the freedom to explore their beauty and meet the best version of themselves.’

Get ready to immerse yourself in their wide range of makeup and skincare brands available, including cult favourites like Fenty Beauty, MILK Makeup, Rare Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury.

The partnership with Sephora allows us to embrace the future of retail and we look forward to welcoming the brand for all beauty fans in the North East to enjoy. The opening will be much anticipated and the news has already generated huge excitement across social media.

Sign up to our newsletter here, to be in-the-know about the progress and opening of Sephora this Autumn.

Browse our full array of retailers here. 

Bravissimo Festive Fizz and Fittings Event

Join Bravissimo on Thursday 14th December, between 4.00 pm til 8.00 pm for expert bra fitting advice for every outfit and a free glass of fizz!

Plus a chance to win your new favourite lingerie when you enter Bravissimo’s competition. Appointments and Walk-in Fittings are available.

Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday 14 December

🕒 Time: 4.00pm – 8.00pm

📍 Location: Bravissimo

 Fancy a bite to eat after you’ve enjoyed the Bravissimo event? Check out our restaurants here

Mission Christmas Cash for Kids 2023

Once again, we are celebrating the true spirit of Christmas as Cash for Kids, Mission Christmas is back. This year more than ever, the charity needs your help to ensure children wake up on Christmas morning with a gift.

Cash for Kids

Cash for Kids is a grant-giving charity helping children that need it most across the UK.

Their mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in our communities who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect, or additional needs. The charity believes that all children should express their individuality, achieve their potential and live life to the full.

Mission Christmas

One in four children living in the UK is classed as living in poverty, and for families in need, the prospect of purchasing Christmas presents can be particularly daunting or simply unachievable. The Mission Christmas campaign aims to provide a disadvantaged local child with a present to open on Christmas morning.

Make a Donation

Visitors to the centre are encouraged to buy an extra present while doing their Christmas shopping, no matter how big or small. This can then be dropped off at our Mission Christmas donation box, located next to the Customer Service Desk outside of Fenwick, from Monday 13 November to Tuesday 19 December 2023.

Donated gifts should be suitable for children and young people aged 0 to 18 years and need to be new and unwrapped so that they can be allocated to a child of the appropriate age.

For more information, visit the charity page here.

Spooktacular Halloween Outfit Ideas for 2023

It’s spooky season, which means one thing, Halloween is just around the corner! So put your best fangs forward, grab your broomsticks and paint your faces. It’s time to dress up in your best Halloween outfits and enjoy a spot of trick or treating.

Fear not, If you haven’t got your Halloween outfit at the ready, here at Eldon Square, we have scoured Eldon Square brands and rounded up this handy spooktacular Halloween outfit ideas guide for you. We’re sure you’ll feel inspired and look fang-fastic with these top Halloween must-haves.

1.  H&M

Let your imagination run wild with H&M’s selection of kids’ Halloween outfits, including a Velour Bat Cape, Encanto Mirabel Dress and Pumpkin Outfit. Halloween costumes and accessories at H&M start from as little as £2.99 and come in various themes and sizes.

 

2. Damaged Society

We have fallen in love with this fantastic Waverly Bat Bag which costs £30.00. Team this bag with a show-stopping collared shirt for a simple and chic take on Halloween. `Discover Damaged Society‘s full range of Halloween-inspired pieces from £4.50.

3. Claire’s

Recreate this fun mother-and-daughter devil vs angel look using these super cute accessories from Claire’s. Grab yourself a Sequin Red Devil Horns Red Glitter Cape for only £14.00, or be your Wonderland Fairy in a pair of Claire’s Wonderland Fairy dress-up set for only £16.00.

 

4. Morphe

Create your best evil witch look with Morphe beauty products, including the spine-tingling Morphe x Jaclyn Hill palette from Morphe for £27.30 and the Make It Big Extravagant Faux Mink Lashes for £5.25. Finish the look with the Morphe Out & Pout Lip Trio.

 

5. Poundland

You are never too cute to spook, especially with super cute outfits from Poundland! Be sure to check out Pepandco’s spooky selection of kidswear costumes, including pumpkins and bats to bears and skeletons. But for those wanting to take on another form this Halloween, Poundland has masks available from £1.00.

 

 

6. Next Official

Cozy up after a fun-filled day of trick or treating with this boo-alicious mini me glow-in-the-dark PJ set from Next.

This must-have duo Pajama set starts from £13.00 for 9mths-12yrs.

Why not join us at the EldonScare’s big Trick or Treat event this Halloween half term with your very own spooktacular outfit?

5 Top Tips for Shopping with Autistic Children

“Having an autistic child is a unique gift; getting to see how their brilliant brain works in different ways is so rewarding. However, this also means that some things such as going shopping may be an overwhelming experience.” – BigWLittleW

That is why, we have collaborated with North East Instagram blogger, BigWLittleW to put together top tips for shopping with Autistic children.

Have a Plan

Having a plan is the first step towards a successful shopping trip. Create a mental outline of where you might want to visit, in what order and for how long, and download a shopping centre map beforehand if you can. For a parent, it’s one less thing to think about while on the move, and depending on the age of the child, knowledge of this plan can serve as a reassurance.

Adopt a ‘now-and-next’ approach, signposting where you are going to and then what is next. This gives as sense of predictability.

Before you head out, get ahead of the unpredictable British weather and where possible,  dress your child in layers. Layering is ideal as it means that your child will be comfortable going from the outside cold into the heat of the shops; some children with sensory issues find temperature fluctuations uncomfortable – so prior planning can pay dividends.

Oh, and make sure to pack plenty of snacks – whether to distract your child or fortify yourself – they’re always handy.

Confidence

Next,  have absolute confidence in both your children and your parenting ability. We are never at our best when we are anxious, and this is never more true than when we are trying to navigate a busy town centre with both arms and hands full, all while having to balance children and making decisions simultaneously. Children can and do pick up on your emotions, so if they pick up on your anxieties, they will swiftly follow suit. Take a breath; you will get through this – you’ve made it this far, have faith!

Sensory Stimulation

Visual aids can be helpful to show your child where you’re going, helping to reassure their concerns and keep them busy. Some children with autism find the sensory stimulation associated with a touch screen device very reassuring, so taking one along can either act as a distraction or act as a way to encourage positive behaviour.

Fidget toys, just like transitional toys, are excellent for grounding an anxious child. A toy, or item, that your child is particularly attached to can help them to regulate themselves and soothe any stress. Egg timers can also provide visual stimulation by showing your child how long you are likely to be at a given destination.  If your child finds shopping overwhelming, building up the time you spend at each location may be helpful. This will help to teach your child that if they are overwhelmed by a certain environment, there will be a change of scenery coming soon.

Choose the Right Destination

Selecting the right destination for your household is important.  Choose environments where there are a diverse array of shops in addition to some tasty food options, to build an overall positive experience.

Opting to visit during shopping centre dedicated quiet hours are more accommodating to those with a neurodivergence really makes a huge difference. Quiet hours with no music and dimmed lighting are great, as are shops that support shoppers wearing the sunflower lanyard as a signifier that they may need additional support while shopping. Sensory bags filled with a selection of toys, visual aids, egg timers and ear defenders provide a much-needed lifeline if your child gets bored or overwhelmed.

Don’t be Afraid to Change Plan

Even with a plan B, C and even D, it can sometimes be necessary to be completely agile and to know when to scrap your plan. There’s no shame in it; just make sure to keep rewarding good behaviour and keeping an eye on your child’s needs. Popping in at the end of a shopping trip to buy a little treat is a perfect way to leave a positive association in your child’s mind.

To plan ahead for your trip to Eldon Square and check out our accessibility information here

Storytime for all the Family

Join us for storytime for all ages as we join forces with Read North East, The North East Autism Society, Seven Stories and Percy Hedley Foundation on Saturday 25 March from 10am – 3pm, Upper Grey’s Quarter (opposite Chatime)

Come down with your friends and family for an enjoyable day filled with fairytales and adventures with the first three storytime sessions supported by a British Sign Language interpreter from the Percy Hedley Foundation.

Our morning session will cater for families who enjoy a quieter setting. During these sessions, we will have limited sensory fidget toys available for children to engage with while listening to the storyteller, which we hope will make storytime enjoyable for all.

Plus, families will also be able to speak with our partners and have any questions answered throughout the day. 

Schedule

10:00am: Percy Hedley Foundation (Quieter Storytime with BSL Signer)

10.30am: Percy Hedley Foundation (Quieter Storytime with BSL Signer)

11.00am: Seven Stories (BSL Signer)

12.00pm: Seven Stories

1.30pm: Seven Stories

2.30pm: Seven Stories

Location

Upper Grey’s Quarter, opposite Chatime 

National Literacy Trust – will be onsite 10am -3pm

Read North East by the National Literacy Trust is a campaign to help raise children’s literacy levels in the North East. The campaign encourages parents to chat, play and read to their babies and children, strengthening the culture of reading across the region, engaging businesses to play an essential role in addressing the literacy challenge and encourages parents to read with their children from birth to give them the best start in life.

Reading with your baby or child? Follow Read North East top tips:

  • Introduce your child to your local library as soon as possible. It’s free to join, welcoming and fun
  • Choose stories with lots of pictures for opportunities to interact
  • Find a quiet place to read and turn off the TV and mobile phone if you can
  • Don’t be afraid to share favourite books over and over again – this will help your child to learn new words and join in
  • Sing songs or nursery rhymes together
  • As your child gets older, choose longer chapter books to come back to each day. It will help to build their memory and understanding.

For more information on the Read North East campaign, including tips and activities for families to enjoy here

The Percy Hedley Foundation – Will be onsite from 10am – 1pm

The Percy Hedley Foundation is a disability charity based in North East England which supports people with complex learning difficulties, disabilities and additional communication needs. Percy Hedley provides education, care, support, accommodation and lifelong learning opportunities at their schools, college, homes and Horizons lifelong learning service and will be on-site to answer any questions you may have.

The North East Autism Society – Will be onsite from 10am – 1pm

For more than 40 years, the North East Autism Society has led the way in providing autism-specific care and education for children, young people, and adults across the North-East of England and will be available to answer any questions you may have on the 25 March.

Seven Stories – Will be onsite from 11am – 3pm

Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, is a registered charity and accredited Museum based in Newcastle upon Tyne. The well-known charity, famous for its love of stories, is a champion of reading for pleasure and dedication to protecting and celebrating children’s books will join us for multiple storytime sessions throughout the day.

Sensory Bags

Our sensory bag was designed by parents supported by the North East Autism Society to provide a relaxed and calming shopping experience.

The bag can be hired from our customer service desks at Fenwick and St Andrew’s Way for a £20 refundable deposit which you will receive back upon returning the bag. At present, we can only take cash deposits.

Why not check out our selection of child-friendly restaurants, perfect for a tasty bite to eat after a storytime session here.

Celebrate your Vegan Victories with Eldon Square

Kickstart 2023 by taking on the Veganuary pledge! Veganuary is a powerful meat-free 30-day challenge that encourages people to follow a plant-based diet for the month of January.

The Vegan lifestyle can be an appealing commitment and no matter how big or small, we would like to hear about your Vegan Victories for a chance to WIN a £100 Eldon Square Gift Card!

Shop Vegan Victories:

Swapping regular milk with oat milk or opting for eco-friendly fashion can help towards reducing your environmental impact on the planet, saves the lives of many animals and has many health benefits. Did you know many of our brands offer a Vegan or sustainable alternative?

Shop more sustainably with New Look’s Vegan accessories or give Lush Comestics Bring it Back Scheme a try! There are a wide range of sustainable recycling schemes and Vegan menus awaiting your arrival.

Win a £100 Eldon Square Gift Card:

Tell us your #VeganVictories and you can win a £100 Eldon Square Gift Card to spend at over 100 brands! Whether you’re treating yourself to a Lush shampoo bar or choosing Vegatsu over Chicken Katsu, we want you to share and post photos of your #VeganVictories across Facebook and Instagram for your chance to win.

Simply tag us and don’t forget to include #VeganVictories by 31 January 2023 to enter.

Terms and conditions apply.

Win a gift card graphic
Vegan Thai Red Curry from Chaophraya

Find out more about Vegan menus available at our many restaurants and cafes here.

COSMO Restaurant Now Open!

We’re delighted to welcome COSMO Newcastle to the centre, a family-friendly buffet restaurant serving hundreds of dishes from different countries and cultures including Chinese, Indian, Japanese and more!

Located on Newgate Street, next to New Look, COSMO elevates the “all you can eat” buffet concept to new levels. Watch chefs grill steaks and fresh seafood right in front of your eyes and enjoy an array of delicious dishes.

Ready for more? Tuck into bite-sized homemade cakes, comforting puddings, creamy profiteroles, fresh fruit and gelato galore. Combine with a cocktail or soft drink from the bar, perfect for date night and big groups, COSMO has something for everyone.

Remember, we’re open ’til 8pm weekdays from 25 November, with restaurants open even later, giving you more time to shop and dine. View opening hours here.

Welcome Mango!

We’re delighted to welcome high-street fashion favourite Mango to the Eldon Square family!

Mango is one of Europe’s leading fashion brands offering the latest trends and inspiration in fashion for women. Discover designs and seasonal styles including dresses, sweaters, tops, jeans, shoes, bags and accessories.

The store is modern, stylish and features the essence of Mediterranean style with a contemporary twist and is located in St Andrew’s Way, next to Hollister.

Find out more about Mango here.

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Location

Eldon Square, Percy Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7JB

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