"Sunderland rockers The Futureheads provided the icing on the cake at the grand opening of Carling Academy Newcastle. But what made it even more special was the venue, restored to its former art deco glory. It seems, with the success of The Futureheads and the reopening of the Majestic, the North East's music tradition is enjoying a revival." – Evening Chronicle
"There could have been no better way to christen the Academy than to have booked the talented threesome of native bands who raised the roof" - The Journal
Academy Music Group opened Carling Academy Newcastle on Friday 14th October 2005 with an exclusive, sell-out live performance by The Futureheads, plus support from fellow locals, Field Music and Kubichek! Devoted fans were treated to a cracking evening of live entertainment, in true North East style!
AMG announced the successful acquisition of the former Gala Bingo Hall on Westgate Road in April 2005 and a £4,000,000 total refurbishment of the site took place to create a magnificent near 2,000 capacity auditorium.
Historically, the North East has created a wealth of diverse musical talent and the City Centre site already had a musical heritage. Originally built as a Picture House (The New Westgate) in 1927, it was once the legendary Majestic Ballroom, famed for a performance by The Beatles in 1963, who went on to write their biggest selling UK hit, 'She Loves You' after the show! As well as The Beatles, The Moody Blues, The Kinks, Spencer Davis Group, The Hollies, Van Morrison and the Small Faces are just a few other famous names that graced the Majestic Ballroom stage.
Carling Academy Newcastle has been lovingly restored to its former glory, its original ceiling features, stairways, stage and balcony create a dramatic and atmospheric space to present to major artists and AMG has invested heavily in its production with the installation of its PA and lighting equipment to offer high quality, professional, in-house production as standard. The venue also has the capacity to become an 'all seated' format as an alternative arrangement for varied shows and events.
The venue has quickly established itself as a major player on the UK touring circuit. Prior to its opening, the region was distinctly lacking a mid-range venue and following its opening, immediately attracted high quality shows from artists such as Goldfrapp, Supergrass, The Bravery, Athlete, My Chemical Romance, Ian Brown and more!
AMG has also extended its 'Carling Academy 2' concept within this site, following on from success at venues in Liverpool and Birmingham. Carling Academy 2 Newcastle is a stand-alone gig venue and also acts as a second room for club nights and dance events. It is perfect for showcasing new talent from the local area and breaking new acts on the touring circuit. Already, the likes of Tom Vek and Nine Black Alps have graced the stage with exceptional live shows.
With a legendary 'up-for-it' crowd, Carling Academy Newcastle is also home to two weekly club residencies. Almost fourteen years old, 'Bulletproof' is Newcastle's longest running club night and the North East's most successful indie club. Each and every Saturday, 'Bulletproof' features guest rock star DJs and live sets at midnight for the very best in new and upcoming acts. In previous days, the Bulletproof regulars have been treated to live club sets from Kasabian, Bloc Party, Maximo Park, Hard-Fi and more. The NME even quoted 'Bulletproof' as 'the who's who of bands about to become famous!'.
Every Friday Carling Academy Newcastle is home to Revolution and Where Angels Play: two awesome club nights for the price of one. Revolution is a feast of ear bleeding rock & mind bending metal taking in the anthems of punk, ska, hardcore and industrial along the way. The only rock night you'll ever need! Big Competitions with huge prizes to be won every week, also look out for our 'Rev Riots' one off party specials!! Join the Revolution - www.myspace.com/revolutionrocksnewcastle.
Upstairs in Academy 2 You'll find Where Angels Play. The DJ's will be spinning indie rock 'n' roll's finest anthems and rarities, old and new, from Madchester to New York! You can expect to hear the sounds of Interpol, Libertines, Oasis, The Stone Roses, Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, The Smiths, Kasabian, Primal Scream and many more. There is also a live band each week showcasing some of the most promising up and coming bands from around the country. For more on Where Angels Play visit www.myspace.com/whereangelsplay99
TO BOOK TICKETS
By Phone: 08444 77 2000 24 hrs
Online: www.ticketweb.co.uk
In Person: Carling Academy Newcastle box office is open Monday - Saturday 12pm-4pm except Thursday 12pm-6pm where tickets may be purchased in advance. No booking fees charged on cash sales and box office opens from doors on the day of an event for cash sales and collections.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Please note that age restrictions vary with each individual show, please check before buying your tickets. All under 14s must to be accompanied by an adult.
Club nights are strictly over 18s unless otherwise stated.
STROBE LIGHTING
Please note that Strobe lights may be used on some shows. For further details, please ask upon arrival at the venue.
USE OF CAMERAS & RECORDING EQUIPMENT
No professional cameras, video cameras, tape recorders or other recording equipment will be allowed into Carling Academy Newcastle.
TICKET TERMS & CONDITIONS
Purchase of this ticket signifies agreement to the following:
- Current Licensing laws are strictly enforced
- Right of admission is reserved
- Ticket holder may be subject to search - any persons found in possession of weapons of any description may be refused entry and/or the items seized will be logged and handed over to the Police.
- No professional "type" audio/visual or any digital recording equipment will be allowed into the venue.
- Tickets are non-refundable or transferable
- Ticket holders consent to any filming and sound recordings as members of the audience
- Ticket holders may be subject to continuous sound levels which may cause potential damage to hearing
- Ticket holders may be exposed to strobe lights
- No re-admission policy is strictly enforced
- No bottles, cans, alcohol or food is to be brought into the venue
- No illegal substances may be brought into or taken on the premises. Any one caught in possession of such substances will be ejected from the premises and may be reported to the Police
- No entry fees will be refunded following ejection or refused entry.
- Please respect our neighbours and make as little noise as possible leaving on the venue
- Only customers in possession of a valid ticket will be admitted into the venue. Lost, stolen or misplaced tickets will not be replaced.
- Any ticket holder throwing objects (beer, glasses etc) will be removed from the building and no refund given. Furthermore, customer details will be provided to the regulatory authorities should an offence be alleged to have taken place.
Carling Academy Newcastle adopts a neighbour friendly policy so please make as little noise as possible on leaving the venue and make full use of designated car parks and local transport.
BARS
There are 6 bars in Carling Academy Newcastle. In the main auditorium there is a large Island Bar immediately on entering the hall, and 2 Forward Bars - one on each side of the dance floor and a further bar at the rear. In addition, Carling Academy 2 Newcastle has two bars and throughout the venue, plasma screens and sound systems relay events of the main stage.
MERCHANDISING
The merchandising desk is situated to the rear of the main auditorium
CLOAKROOM
Carling Academy Newcastle accepts coats and bags at £1 per item. It is located in the foyer area just inside the main entrance. Please note that items will not be given out without presentation of a valid cloakroom ticket and any items for which the ticket has been lost cannot be claimed before the end of the night. The venue accepts no liability for loss or damage to items left in the cloakroom.
LOST PROPERTY
Items found will be kept for a period of 3 months. For lost property enquiries please contact boxoffice@newcastle-academy.co.uk
DISABLED FACILITIES
Carling Academy Newcastle takes the needs of disabled customers very seriously and actively encourages people of all abilities to attend the events scheduled at our venue. The building allows wheelchair access on all floors via the lift. We do advise customers to contact Venue Management prior to show date. We also recommend that show tickets are purchased in advance and arrival at the venue 10 minutes prior to doors, ideally accompanied by an able-bodied person who will be admitted free of charge.
Carling Academy Newcastle aims to consistently review and improve its facilities to meet the needs of all our users. Our current amenities include access via the main building entrance and disabled toilet facilities are on both venue floors.
Specific requests, enquiries or comments regarding access/personal needs should be made to the Carling Academy Newcastle management team who will endeavour to accommodate them. Please call 0191 260 2020 and ask for Phil.
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