Programme of events
June 2023
1 June
Meet the Artist
Thursday 1 June 11am-4:30pm
A chance to meet local artist and author Glenn Martin James as he recreated the lost founding charter of Newcastle as part of the borough's 850th anniversary. All ages welcome, and a fine opportunity to find out how the anniversary charter was created, the materials used, and the history of the charter.
No need to book, just turn up
3 June
Celebrate Newcastle
Brampton Museum and Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Saturday 3 June, all day
It’s back! Following the fun of Celebrate Castle last year Appetite and Brampton Museum will once again be bringing a whole host of FREE family performances, activities and a flavour of history to the Museum and Brampton Park this summer. Have a sneak preview of what to expect in this video.
Cost: free
How to book: just turn up
9 June
B's Dementia Cafe
Sammy Bell's tea room, Belong Newcastle, Lower Street ST5 2RS
Thursday 9 June 2023 - from 14:00
This event will take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month. sessions are free and will include entertainment, refreshments and opportunity to access support whilst forming friendships. Please book in advance.
Cost: free
How to book: contact Emma Palin or Isis Whitmore on 01782 986300
10 June
It's a Wrap
The Ironmarket, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Saturday 10 June 2023, all day and will remain in place for several months
Castle Yarn Bombers will be adorning some of the Ironmarket trees with colourful wraps to celebrate the town's 850th anniversary and International Yarn Bombing Day. This is a collaborative project with knitted and crocheted donations received from the Guildhall Craft Group, Dunelm Knit and Stitch, The Cotton Mill Pub Crochet Group and The Craft Room @ Garners.
We have also received some beautiful work from individual members of the public. Thank you all! Castle Yarn Bombers also thank the Friends of the Guildhall for a grant for materials.
Cost: free
How to book: just turn up
15 June
Fascinating folk of Newcastle film show: Philip Astley and the performing arts
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Thursday 15 June 2023 - 2:00pm to 3:15pm
A special archive film show from Ray Johnson looking back at performing arts and father of the modern Circus Philip Astley.
Book tickets
17 June
Astley's Homecoming
To be held in various locations around Newcastle town centre.
Saturday 17 June 2023 - 10am - 9pm
In 1768, Philip Astley, son of Newcastle and known across the world as 'Father of Modern Circus', created his first show in a 13m ring, which is still the industry standard today. Join us as we bring circus back home and celebrate the Astley legacy. Enjoy a fun filled day packed with amazing contemporary circus shows around the town and plenty of have-a-go activities. And the fun doesn't stop as the sun goes down! Look forward to a scintillating circus cabaret by the Guildhall.
Cost: free (donations welcome for evening event).
How to book: just turn up.
21 June
Exclusive Exhibition tour with Medieval Scribe Emma Nelson
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Wednesday 21 June 2pm
A special tour of "The Lost Charter" exhibition with Medieval scribe Emma Nelson. Suggested donation £3
Cost: Free, Donations welcome
Book tickets
22 June
Exclusive Exhibition tour with Conservator Richard Nichols
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Thursday 22 June 2pm
A special tour of "The Lost Charter" exhibition with Medieval scribe Emma Nelson. Suggested donation £3
Cost: Free, Donations welcome
Book tickets
24 June
Armed Forces Day 2023
Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre
Saturday 24 June 2023 - 10:20am onwards
Expect a full military parade, scores of military vehicles, food, drink, singers, dancers and many UK regiments being represented. Also in the town centre will be a vibrant general market supplying food and drink. We’ve also invited in young traders who’ll be taking a stall for the first time with their unique items. It promises to be a very busy day in town.
Cost: free
No booking necessary
Further information is available on the armed forces day website.
25 June
Have a go Calligraphy and schools' castle competition display
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Sunday 25 June June 2023 - 2pm - 4pm
Fancy your hand at writing with a feather quill pen? Then join us for the Have a Go at Calligraphy session, with author Glenn Martin James, the artist recreating the lost charter of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Be just like Harry Potter or Shakespeare and find out how to write in medieval script, and handle a quill just like in olden days.
There will also be a display of model castles created by local schools.
Cost: Free, Donations welcome
Book tickets
28 June
Traditional spinning taster day
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Wednesday 28 June 2023 - 10:30am-4pm
A chance to learn the art of turning wool into yarn. Learn how to take sheep's wool and convert it into usable yarn using tools and techniques which have been available since before Newcastle-Under-Lyme got its first charter
Book tickets
29 June
Fascinating folk of Newcastle talk: Phillip Astley
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Thursday 29 June 2023 - 2:00pm to 3:15pm
A special talk by Andrew van Buren about father of the modern circus Philip Astley.
Book tickets
Ongoing activities
- 850 years shop window display competition