The Best Music Venues for Conferences in Newcastle and Gateshead

28 February 2025

NewcastleGateshead is full of exciting venues for all kinds of events. One venue type that the city is abundant in is music venues. From international music centres to local grassroots venues, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to finding the best fit for your conference, meeting or event.

With the launch of Newcastle and Gateshead Music City in 2024, a partnership between The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and local music development agency Generator, and the MOBO Awards being hosted in Newcastle for the first time in February 2025, the music scene is thriving in the city. Read on for inspiration of some of the best musical venues in the city.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Situated on the banks of the River Tyne, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a striking part of Newcastle and Gateshead’s Quayside and an iconic venue in the region. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, The Glasshouse is home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia and in its 20 years, it has attracted a number of high-profile and award-winning performers from across the globe. In 2023, The Glasshouse hosted the BBC Proms for the first time in the North East with headliners including Self Esteem, and the event returned for a second time in 2024 with star Jordan Rakei headlining.

The Glasshouse is also a key player in the growth of the region’s music scene having recently partnered with The Fire Station in Sunderland, Generator North East and BBC Introducing with a promise to cultivate home-grown talent through regular performances from emerging artists. The venue also hosts a range activities and events that make music, and the power of music, accessible for the local community.

With world-class facilities, a drive for positive social impact, and picturesque views of the Quayside that are second-to-none, The Glasshouse offers the perfect environment for a memorable events and conferences as well as exciting social programmes.

Notable events: BBC Proms 2023 and 2024, Blondie, De La Soul, Pet Shop Boys, Channel 4’s ‘The Piano’ Final, British Society of Lifestyle Medicine Annual Conference 2024
Capacity: Sage One – 1,647 seated, Sage Two – 330 seated, Northern Rock Foundation Hall – 200 seated; Barbour Room – 250 seated. Full venue hire is also available.

Utilita Arena Newcastle

Originally conceived by Chas Chandler, bassist for The Animals, and his business partner Nigel Stanger, a local jazz musician, Newcastle Arena was built to give the North East the opportunity to host high-profile musicians who had previously bypassed the city. Since its inception, Utilita Arena Newcastle has hosted events ranging from musical artists and sports competitions to exhibitions and expos. With a massive 40,000 square meters of space and seating for over 11,500 fans, the recently refurbished Utilita Arena is the perfect musical venue to inspire your conference, gala dinner or meeting guests in the same arena where the likes of David Bowie and Beyonce have performed.

Notable events: The MOBO Awards 2025, Sam Fender, David Bowie, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue
Capacity: 11,500 seated in main arena, 9,000 theatre style space

The Cluny and Cluny 2

Situated in the regenerated neighbourhood of Ouseburn, The Cluny has lived many lives including being used as a flax spinning mill, a steam-powered flour mill and a Scotch whisky bottling plant, from which The Cluny gets its name. Originally designed by famed local architect John Dobson, The Cluny has established itself as a much-loved pub and live music venue in the city. The Cluny also has a secondary room, Cluny 2, which is slightly smaller and more intimate, perfect for theatre, comedy events, spoken word and lectures.

Both The Cluny and Cluny 2 are fully wheelchair accessible.

Notable events: Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Maximo Park, Solange Knowles
Capacity: The Cluny – 300 fire limit (recommended cap 270 – 275); Cluny 2 – 180 capacity (semi-seated/fully standing on ground level in front of stage), 130 (fully seated)

Wylam Brewery

Wylam Brewery resides within the beautiful Palace of Arts building in Exhibition Park. Located in Newcastle city centre, the building is the last remaining structure from the 1929 North East Exhibition, which celebrated and encouraged craft, art and industry. As well as brewing beer, Wylam Brewery regularly hosts a range of events, including live music shows and corporate events. Its central location makes it easily accessible for visitors, with excellent public transport links as well as being within walking distance to Newcastle University and local amenities. The tranquil park setting and quirky event spaces provide a unique experience for delegates.

Notable events: Artists such as Pete Doherty, Mr Scruff and Craig Charles; Wylam Brewery regularly hosts popular street food ‘stand-off’ events
Capacity: Grand Hall – 800 Standing, 300 Theatre, 200 Dinner, South Lobby – 120 Standing, 80 Theatre, 70 Dinner; Tap Room – 80 Standing, N/A Theatre, 40 Dinner

Newcastle City Hall

Since opening in 1927, O2 City Hall has hosted a diverse array of events and performances, from drag shows to popular music acts. Known for its beautiful architecture and excellent acoustics, City Hall is a venue favoured by many performers and audiences alike. As well as musical artists, the venue has also hosted comedians, drag queens, talks and musical experiences such as tributes to artists like Taylor Swift and Coldplay. Aside from its high capacity and diverse uses, its city centre location also makes it perfect for organisers and delegates who want to stay close to amenities and public transport.

Notable events: The Rolling Stones, Paul Weller, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Faithless
Capacity: 2,100 – 2,600

Boiler Shop

Originally a part of Robert Stephenson’s locomotive works, Boiler Shop is now renowned for hosting an eclectic range of live music events. Since its inception in 2017, there has been a rich and diverse programme of events for locals and visitors alike to come together and enjoy. With two unique spaces to utilise, the Shop Floor and Mezzanine, Boiler Shop has real charm and visible railway heritage in its design. As well as spacious rooms, Boiler Shop also has backstage areas include two large dressing rooms, two showers, two toilets, a large green room and a fully fitted kitchen. The venue has been voted one of Britain’s most beautiful by the BBC alongside Wylam Brewery.

Notable events: Damon Albarn, Primal Scream, IDLES, Generator Live Festival, Creative Cities Convention 2023
Capacity: 1,000 standing

Pilgrim

Pilgrim, formerly known as Hoochie Coochie, is undergoing a transformation into the ultimate destination for music lovers in Newcastle. With its main genres being a mix of soul, funk and jazz live performances, Pilgrim’s vibrant atmosphere and central Newcastle location make it the ideal post-conference social spot to enjoy great drinks and incredible talent. February 2025 saw the MOBO Awards visit Newcastle for the first time, with Pilgrim hosting one of its fringe events in the build up to the awards.

Notable events: MOBOs 2025 Fringe, Craig Charles, Don Letts
Capacity: 250

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