6 THE JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

The Leisure Industry 2018 In association with Hitting the right note The importance of independent music venues to North East music

Following previous successes, front of an audience and enable this year marked the fifth year of them to hone their skills. Independent Venue Week, a Nadine Shah, South Tyneside nationwide celebration of small singer-songwriter and an ambassa- music venues around the UK. dor for Independent Venue Week, Over 170 venues participated in commented on the importance of the event that aims to recognise the these venues. people that run independent venues “Every small music venue has its across the UK, their contribution to own unique history and character,” music, and encourage gig-goers to she said. “Coming from the North get out there and support local East it’s hard to pick a favourite, but venues. The Cluny in the Ouseburn valley is Across the North East there has most probably the venue I’ve not always been a strong independent only played at the most but also seen scene, from established venues such the most other bands. as The Cluny, The Riverside and “It’s of the utmost importance that Think Tank, to new and emerging we protect these places. Independ- venues such as The Boilershop and ent venues are the backbone of the Wylam Brewery’s Palace of the Arts music industry, places where we in Exhibition Park. nurture and grow tomorrow’s >>The Wylam Brewery in Exhibition Park Historically the region has musical icons. produced a range of musical talent, “The ‘agent of change’ principle including The Animals, Mark will require those responsible for Knopfler, and folk artists such new residential accommodation to as The Unthanks, but more recently ensure that measures are put into we have seen newer acts from the place to allow venues to continue to North East performing on the operate while co-existing with these national, and even global stage. new developments. One of the first acts to reach “The UK prides itself on its national recognition was Maximo musical output, and without these Park. Formed in Newcastle in 2000 measures being put into place to >>Maximo Park Maximo Park shot to fame when ensure the safety of these venues their debut , A Certain Trigger, then the British music industry itself the same bars, drink the same beer was nominated for a . will quickly become a grey, dull and listen to the same music! Similarly, Field Music are another version of its former vibrant “Music is the very core of our Mercury Prize-nominated rock band glittering self.” business. Changing customer from Sunderland who, alongside Julian Ive and Steve Parkin, expectations means that we Maximo Park, and DJ Patrick owners of The Cluny, said: “We constantly need to be offering Topping, have really helped put the believe in supporting local artists, as something different, and live music North East music scene on the map, so much about the character of our nights give fans the chance to watch as well as paving the way for cities is within acts that, one day, may well be emerging artists such as Sam Fender, venues that form their makeup. headlining at festivals and selling The Old Pink House and This Little “Without independent venues out stadiums.” Bird. such as The Cluny we would all go to The independent music scene in There has always been a collective the North East is constantly evolving attitude between popular bands and the resurgence in the popularity from the North East, with numerous of such venues is evident. After a bands sharing members over the busy year last year, and another years, including Field Music, The Every small music successful independent venues Futureheads and Frankie & The week, we look forward to the year Heartstrings. venue has its own ahead and envisage the North East The similarities don’t stop there, music scene continuing to go from as the bands all forged their careers unique history and strength to strength. in independent venues. These character David Downing venues will often present artists with [email protected] >>Nadine Shah their first experience of playing in Nadine Shah 0191 269 0151 Emerging locations – the ever-changing face of Newcastle’S leisure markeT

We have been spoilt for choice in created an impressive number of pubs, clubs and Jesmond continue to attract Newcastle for many years with entrance to the city for and bars which helped it interest from food-led operators several established circuits, travellers, but it has quickly to earn a long-held keen to find a pitch in these popular providing high-quality leisure become the centre for a hub reputation as the party locations. destinations that rival any other city of retail and leisure activity. quarter of Newcastle. With the right investment and in the UK. There has been a Business improvement the continued regeneration across City-centre leisure markets across noticeable increase in new district company NE1 is the city, we believe Newcastle’s the UK are evolving and Newcastle venues around the station due to start works that leisure market will continue to go is no different. The leisure landscape with The Newcastle Tap, will aim to provide a new from strength to strength. With the in Newcastle is constantly adapting Launderette and The lease of life for the street, upcoming completion of the to meet the demands of consumers, Hudson all opening. >>Kevin McGorie which has looked rather Newgate Shopping Centre and it is interesting to see a cyclical Alongside this is the down-at-heel recently, redevelopment by McAleer & Rushe evolution as specific areas rise and undoubted success of the with plans including and the redevelopment of East fall in popularity. development of the railway arches, pavement cafes and al fresco dining Pilgrim Street, we will be soon be In recent years we have seen the creating a number of spaces for opportunities. welcoming in the new ‘go-to’ leisure rejuvenation of the Station circuit, leisure businesses large and small, It is not only the city centre that is circuits. following the £25million regenera- including The Split Chimp Micropub seeing an upturn in demand from Kevin McGorie tion of Newcastle Central Station. and the Golf Rooms. the leisure industry. Affluent [email protected] The development has not only The Bigg Market is home to a suburban hotspots such as Gosforth 0191 269 0174 >>Newcastle Central Station