Vacancies  |  Find a church   |  Find a person  |  Safeguarding |  Donate | Schools An art installation is expected to attract visitors from near and far to a Whitley Bay church later this month Lightwaves will see a series of illuminated sculptures both inside St Paul’s and outside in the spacious church grounds on Saturday 15 February The exhibition will take place for a second year having made a highly successful debut 12 months ago It will feature sculptures made by local artists accompanied by specially composed calming music Visitors will be able to walk a light trail around St Paul’s and its grounds after dark It’s part of a collaborate project involving the church and wider community – Fiesta Whitley Bay - which organises four events each year The Fiesta initiative was born out of the Covid pandemic and supports local artists community organisations and local businesses vicar at St Paul’s said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to Lightwaves for what will be a very inspirational evening there will be some projections of light and we want people to come and enjoy it and appreciate the work and talent of our local artists We are blessed with the land and facilities we have and St Paul’s is a great venue for an installation such as this.” Entry is free. For more information, click here.  Pictured: Scenes from last year's event The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response The owner of a North East restaurant have said it was a "true honour" to have received a visit an international political figure visited the North East last weekend on a working trip to Blyth's offshore wind farm Sharing photos and videos on social media of his trip who is also the Malaysian Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation told his followers about the history of the wind farm He explained that Vantage RE, which is owned by Malaysian utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), is a shareholder in Blyth Offshore Demonstrator Limited (BODL) During his visit he told reporters that this demonstrates the ability of large Malaysian companies to invest and expand internationally Following his visit to Blyth, Fadillah travelled further along the North East coast to North Tyneside where he visited Turknaz Turkish restaurant Restaurant owner Anthony Yilmaz said Fadillah was accompanied by approximately 40 ministers and senior officials as well as his personal close protection team He added that the visit represented not only a significant milestone for Turknaz but also a remarkable moment for the broader North East hospitality sector Anthony said: "As a local, independently owned restaurant, it is profoundly encouraging to witness international dignitaries choosing to dine in Whitley Bay Such a visit exemplifies the global reach and appeal that regional businesses can command through dedication to excellence and authentic hospitality "It is a powerful testament to the fact that high-profile international figures do not merely gravitate toward metropolitan centres but also recognise and value the unique offerings of local establishments such as ours." This is not the first time Turknaz has had the privilege of hosting a distinguished guest as last year the restaurant was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of London Anthony added: "We are immensely proud to have been able to represent the best of North East hospitality and to contribute to the cultural and diplomatic ties that such visits foster." Sharing photos from the visit on their Facebook page, the owners wrote: "It was a true honour to welcome the deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Sri Fadillah Yusof, to Turknaz today. We are deeply grateful for your visit and hope you enjoyed your dining experience with us Thank you for giving us the privilege of hosting you we look forward to welcoming you again in the future." ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device All you need to do is choose which community you want to join click on the link and press 'join community' No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team We also treat our community members to special offers To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group' If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community Join our Court & Crime community Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community Join our Northumberland community Join our County Durham community Join our Sunderland community Join our NUFC community Join our SAFC community Join our Great North Run community Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The restoration of Whitley Bay Metro station has delivered a boost for the town’s community hub, which has undergone vital renovation work as part of the project. Kier Transportation, which is part of Kier Group, is the contractor carrying out the £5.3m scheme on Whitley Bay Metro station’s Grade II Listed canopy. Together with Metro operator, Nexus, they undertook the works as part of a social value plan, which ensures community engagement while on site. Volunteers from the two project teams gave up their time to renovate an activity room at the popular venue on Whitley Road. They spent three days painting and decorating the room, which is in the process of being updated to create a much warmer and tidier space for group activities, conferences and meetings. The Community Hub, a former job centre, is a multi-purpose community space with a cafe, garden and meeting rooms and a food bank. It is run by a local charity called the Whitley Bay Big Local, which acquired the building in 2021 grants funding, including the Government Levelling Up fund and a loan from Charity Bank. Sarah McManus, Head of Renewals at Nexus, said: “We’re delighted that our project at Whitley Bay Metro station has provided a wider benefit for the local community. “Metro is at the heart of communities it serves, so it’s great that we have been able to offer these additional works at Whitley Bay Hub in conjunction with our colleagues at Kier. It is a big help to a vital local facility which is run by a charity. “Our teams gave up their time over the festive period to decorate the upstairs meeting room at the centre. They’ve done a brilliant job and it looks fantastic. “I’m pleased to say that the canopy works at the Metro station are getting near to completion, and customers are already feeling the benefit since the scaffolding was taken down. We can’t wait for the official completion of the project later this year.” Rob Harwood, Construction Director at Kier Transportation, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to support the Whitley Bay Big Local community Hub, with the team working on the Metro station canopy restoration decorating the upstairs function room.“We’re pleased to see the positive impact of volunteering our time and skills to the food bank and community centre, as well as donating goods to such a worthy cause.” David Carnaffan, Chief Executive at Whitley Bay Big Local, said: “I’m delighted that Whitley Bay Metro Station has been refurbished to such a high standard. It’s great for local residents to have the station updated, without losing its historic appeal. We were delighted to welcome volunteers from Kier and Nexus to update the activity space at Whitley Bay Hub. The room has been brightened up, with a new colour scheme and they even updated our windowsills. The volunteers worked very hard over Christmas and New Year, coming in on evenings and Saturdays to get the job finished before we welcomed our groups and activities back in this January.” The refurbishment of the historic canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station is nearing completion and will be completed by the spring. Rail Business Daily’s market leading news and profile enhancement services enable your business to tell your story to the wider rail community. Engage with thousands of readers via our rail news platforms, including the hugely popular 7am newsletter, rail news website and Rail Director magazine. If you want to do more work in rail, Rail Business Daily is the place to be. Every morning at 7am, direct to your inbox. By submitting your contact details, you agree to us sending you emails on behalf of railbusinessdaily.com Written by Alison Stanley, the play unfolds in real time, inviting the audience to sit beside the characters as they wait, reflect, and reveal. What could feel claustrophobic becomes intimate and deeply human, thanks to three compelling performances, particularly those of Leah Bell and Becky Clayburn. Leah Bell is effortlessly excellent as Tina, a single mother facing the unthinkable: how to prepare her adult son with learning disabilities for a life without her. Bell brings a grounded dignity to Tina, portraying her not as a tragic figure but as a woman clinging fiercely to love, responsibility, hope and her knitting needles. Her performance anchors the play - maternal, measured, and brimming with good humour. Tina quickly becomes the heart and hilarious soul of the waiting room. Becky Clayburn, as Rosie, is terrific. Brash, funny, frightened and heartbreakingly young, Rosie has the energy of someone who’s been rudely yanked from life’s party. T*ts Up is at Laurels Theatre until April 12. Credit: Paul Lynch PhotographyClayburn captures the character’s sharp humour, veiled fear and simmering fury with real authenticity. Her portrayal is unflinchingly honest - one moment laughing about shagging in a festival tent, the next raging against a body that’s betrayed her far too soon… and a mother whose demonstrations of love are serving as a constant reminder of what she’s dealing with. When Alison Stanley’s Rachel arrives - designer handbag perched on a tea towel, pride barely concealing panic - she adds a disruptive edge to the room. Stanley stays on the right side of where character study meets caricature, allowing Rachel’s brittleness to crack just enough to reveal the frightened woman underneath and the circumstances which have underpinned her life choices and unwavering drive to succeed. The interaction between the three characters flows well, with shifting alliances, unspoken judgments, and unexpected tenderness unfolding with natural rhythm. Deftly directed by Katherine Newman, the structure of the play is simple, but layered. Between moments of dialogue, each woman steps out of the shared space and delivers a spotlit monologue directly to the audience. Leah Bell puts in an excellent turn as Tina (right) These asides act as confessions - unfiltered and poignant allowing us to learn the back stories the characters don’t always share aloud: the private fears There are no big revelations or dramatic twists just three women caught in a shared moment of the unknown which was informed by the real experiences of women in North Tyneside - emphasises solidarity and human connection… reminding us that even in the bleakest of waiting rooms there’s still room for laughter and compassion The play is at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay until April 12. Tickets from the website. Rachel (Alison Stanley), Rosie (Becky Clayburn) and Tina (Leah Bell) meet for the first time in the oncology day unit. Credit: Paul Lynch PhotographySet entirely in the still, sterile space of an oncology waiting room, Tits Up is a raw and honest portrayal of three women grappling with the realities of a breast cancer diagnosis. Becky Clayburn, as Rosie, is terrific. Brash, funny, frightened and heartbreakingly young, Rosie has the energy of someone who\u2019s been rudely yanked from life\u2019s party. T*ts Up is at Laurels Theatre until April 12. Credit: Paul Lynch PhotographyClayburn captures the character\u2019s sharp humour, veiled fear and simmering fury with real authenticity. Her portrayal is unflinchingly honest - one moment laughing about shagging in a festival tent, the next raging against a body that\u2019s betrayed her far too soon\u2026 and a mother whose demonstrations of love are serving as a constant reminder of what she\u2019s dealing with. When Alison Stanley\u2019s Rachel arrives - designer handbag perched on a tea towel, pride barely concealing panic - she adds a disruptive edge to the room. Stanley stays on the right side of where character study meets caricature, allowing Rachel\u2019s brittleness to crack just enough to reveal the frightened woman underneath and the circumstances which have underpinned her life choices and unwavering drive to succeed. allowing us to learn the back stories the characters don\u2019t always share aloud: the private fears The play\u2019s static setting - a single room and human connection\u2026 reminding us that even in the bleakest of waiting rooms there\u2019s still room for laughter and compassion The play is at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay until April 12. Tickets from the website. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page North Tyneside will honour those who sacrificed their lives in war with a series of Remembrance events throughout the borough The council will hold services on Remembrance Sunday Large screens will be available at North Shields and Whitley Bay to ensure everyone has a clear view of the proceedings All events are free and open to the public Full details for each event are provided below offering digital access to the order of service Printed copies will also be available on the day Remembrance Services and Parades – North Tyneside Sunday 10 November 2024 – Remembrance Sunday Parades A rolling road closure will begin at 10.25am Quadrant, The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY | Directions The historic canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station has been restored to its former glory following the completion of a two-year major project The Grade II listed structure has undergone renewal work as part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme Nexus, the public body which runs Metro said the multi-million pound project is transformational for Whitley Bay Metro station – which used by 1.2 million customers per year and is a key gateway into North Tyneside and its award-winning coastline The completion of the works was marked at an event last Thursday (20 March) where guests were invited to celebrate the milestone.  The project involved the installation of 1,296 new panes of glass and the strengthening and repainting of the steelwork New lighting has been installed along with a new public address system and new CCTV cameras Glazing directly above the Metro tracks has also been reinstated providing a more sheltered environment for customers The works were carried out on behalf of Nexus by Kier Group a leading provider of infrastructure services said: “I’m delighted to say that our major restoration scheme at Whitley Bay Metro station is now complete “The focus of these works has been on the canopy which has been carefully restored to its former glory and is an important gateway into North Tyneside from the Tyne and Wear Metro “We’ve restored and repaired all of the steel work New and modern glazing has been installed and the canopy now has glazing above the tracks as it was originally constructed “Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm It has proudly served Metro since the network opened in 1980 This project has ensured that the station will be there for people to enjoy for many decades to come “We’ve been able to keep the station open throughout the works I’m grateful to our customers and our tenants at the station for their patience while the work has been taking place.” North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Whitley Bay station is more than just a place you catch the Metro – it is a gateway to the town and the beach that sits at the heart of a vibrant local community so I am delighted to see it restored to its former glory “Metro passengers tell me they want bright attractive and safe places to wait.  The canopy at Whitley Bay station looks better than it has done for decades and that lifts and brightens the whole station.  This is a new step on the way to making Metro once again a world class transport system.”    senior project manager at Kier Transportation said: “It’s a pleasure to complete the restoration works for Whitley Bay station and unveil our upgrades to this historical site “We’re proud to leave a lasting legacy in the local community who have warmly welcomed us since the start of the project We thank them for their support and interest throughout “The station now offers an attractive entrance to the seaside town for residents and visitors which demonstrates the capabilities of our multi-disciplined teams and the strength of our collaborative partners to see the vision for this station come to life.” said: “Whitley Bay is one of our beautiful historic stations along North Tyneside coast and the Edwardian glass canopy is its crowning glory  “I’m delighted to that this major project has restored the glazing replacing more than 1,000 panes of glass and making it stronger for the future We hope the station continues welcoming residents and visitors to the wonderful town of Whitley Bay and our award-winning seafront for another 100 years.” The canopy’s new glazing is more robust and easier to maintain its ongoing condition and appearance The ironwork on the two smaller canopies which run along the station’s frontage has also being restored to its former glory along with the atrium Whitley Bay Metro station has remained open to customers throughout the project There are three businesses based at Whitley Bay Metro station – an artisan café called Dil & the Bear Whitley Bay station gained its Listed status in 1986 six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro system was opened Nexus is also planning to restore the historic footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro station which will closed to customers until those works are completed Rail Business Daily’s market leading news and profile enhancement services enable your business to tell your story to the wider rail community Engage with thousands of readers via our rail news platforms including the hugely popular 7am newsletter rail news website and Rail Director magazine you agree to us sending you emails on behalf of railbusinessdaily.com Work is set to begin on the second phase of North Tyneside’s ambitious Seafront Sustainable Travel Route from Tynemouth Front Street to the Aquarium has already made journeys safer and more enjoyable for thousands of residents and visitors Phase Two will extend the route to St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay with dedicated spaces for cyclists and pedestrians The improvements aim to boost the appeal of the award-winning seafront and support local businesses and attractions Funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund and Sustrans and with Capita handling the construction the project is a key part of the council’s commitment to reaching carbon net-zero by 2030 It promotes sustainable travel options that benefit everyone while protecting the environment “We’re excited to begin this next transformative phase of the Seafront Sustainable Travel Route and enjoyable seafront for everyone—whether you’re walking and this project isn’t just about infrastructure while making North Tyneside greener and healthier." "We know there may be some temporary disruption during construction but the long-term benefits will be worth it I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience as we work to improve our coastline for everyone to enjoy." Traffic Management: October 14 to the end of 2024 temporary traffic measures will be in place including a one-way system between Tynemouth and Cullercoats and temporary traffic lights at key points Cyclists may need to dismount or follow diversions during lane closures Pedestrians in the Beaconsfield area will be directed to cross to the opposite side of the seafront while work continues These measures will remain until the work is completed We apologise for any inconvenience during this time Site compounds will be set up away from residential areas in the following locations: For bus service inquiries, residents can email: roadworks@nexus.org.uk Further information on the scheme can be found here. To receive regular project updates and advance notice of any works affecting journeys please sign up for our electronic bulletin service by scanning the QR code The original station at Whitley was opened in 1860 but this was replaced four years later with a station situated to the north In 1882 a new “Whitley” station was opened not only of those living in Whitley and travelling to Newcastle for work but also holiday makers and day trippers visiting the town Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner later said of the building that it “(lends) some distinction to an undistinguished neighbourhood” The new building is full of glass and steel and has seen its fair share of changes numerous adjustments and a short closure between 1979 and 1980 to allow for alterations to join the Tyne and Wear Metro system The station was granted Grade II listed status in 1986 The glass panels which make the station such a bright and friendly place have not been without their problems it breaks and falls onto the platforms or tracks below bringing a halt to the service Metro operator Nexus has spent £5.3m restoring Whitley Bay Station’s canopy by replacing almost 1,300 panes of glass with polycarbonate but there is still more to do with the atrium ceiling needing new glazing and two smaller canopies needing restoration When it comes to supplying 1,300 panes of polycarbonate to recreate the historic look of Edwardian glass which can make installation quick and easy offering solutions for weight reduction to avoid unnecessary stress and loading on the 110-year-old steel work and an in-depth knowledge of safety known as the “Pioneers of polycarbonate” they have products and solutions to solve every problem As a British manufacturer they understand the product the need for longevity of the product and can help design bespoke solutions should the need arise Their multi-link system offers ease of installation rigid and robust assembly with the look and feel of glass but all the benefits of a modern material plus superior toughness and sustainability make their aluminium and polycarbonate systems the intelligent choice for today and years to come The benefits of the new stations canopy are already being seen with large sections of the scaffolding being removed The platforms and track are bathed in a warm natural light without the inherent risk associated with hundreds of glass panels above passengers’ heads Other features which have been added include new lighting and CCTV cameras installed throughout the station to improve security “We are pleased to have led this important refurbishment work and following consultation with Twinfix we are confident that the specified glazing system is the best long term sustainable solution for the job.” Nick Zissler Structures Design Lead York MHB Consultants “We were pleased to deliver this important project on behalf of our client which saw the canopy restored at Whitley Bay Station Twinfix oversaw the canopy design and installation and worked collaboratively with us and their supply chain to provide a sustainable “We were pleased to oversee the installation work at Whitley Bay station This is a restoration project we’ve been proud to be a part of and we can see our work will truly leave a legacy for the local community.” Ian Danby Rail Professional is a monthly business-oriented railway magazine read by the industry’s managers the magazine was born out of the privatisation of the industry and the need to provide a managerial forum for the new rail business community Rail Professional Ltd Lakes Innovation Centre Lakes Road Email: admin@railpro.co.uk Tel: 01268 711811 Browse our Asia-Pacific website Copyright Rail Professional Ltd document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). All Rights Reserved. Website by Chalk Media. Well done to everyone who turned up to the restart of Whitley Bay parkrun this morning Some of you may have seen that one of our regular runners needed some medical attention while volunteering this morning We wanted to let you all know that Ian is on the mend and being looked after The run report this week was written by Jack Revely This morning at Whitley bay it was their 522 event jogged and walked the coastline paths of the beautiful northeast Today wasn't just any parkrun day at Whitley bay it was their first one back since the middle of October due to work being carried out around the Spanish city area I was my second time at their event this morning and the second time I really enjoyed it especially when I set a new course PB for myself The course is a 2 lap course that is ran entirely on tarmac path which somewhat flat and has a few inclines to just test you First finisher was Luke WATTS with a time of 17:51 First female was Emily James of Wallsend Harriers & AC with a time of 20:49 81 first timers attended today with 9 doing parkrun for the first time including myself (not sure if I mentioned it before © parkrun Limited (Company Number: 07289574) No part of this site may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner Hundreds of people are getting ready to show off their creativity and sandcastle building masterpieces at this year’s Whitley Bay Sandcastle Competition The event takes place from 10am on Sunday 11 August in front of the Rendezvous Café at Whitley Bay and promises to be a fun day with lots of friendly competition Everyone is welcome and the event is free and perfect for all ages and skill levels The event is organised by Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade and supported by North Tyneside Council has been a cornerstone of the local community for generations bringing together bowlers of all ages and abilities the club meets regularly between April and September and continues to welcome new members a local business with its own rich history Founded 32 years ago in Longhorsley by Simon Walker’s father the company was originally inspired by a trip to the United States where flags on cars proudly displayed team loyalties What started with custom car flags for football giants like Newcastle United and Manchester United quickly expanded into a full-scale flag-making business and community organisations across the region “We’re thrilled to have such a striking new flag to represent our club in this special year,” said a club spokesperson “It’s a real symbol of pride and tradition and we’re grateful to The Flag Man for capturing that spirit so well.” it remains open and welcoming to new members of all ages who are interested in joining a friendly and active sporting community and website in this browser for the next time I comment beating Newcastle Blue Star 1-0 away from home thanks to a goal from Joe Ames The Lions have won two on the bounce and will be hoping to make it three after Saturday going to keep pressure on those above The sides met in September at Hillheads Park where Whitley Bay came out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from Jake Forster inside the first fifteen minutes Andy Ferguson will be hoping the lads can return the favour to The Bay A win for the visitors would see them leapfrog Newcastle Benfield this weekend Tuesday’s win meant Benfield moved up to sixth in the table with 52 points after playing 31 games The Seahorses are placed 10th on 49 points with two games in hand on The Lions Whitley Bay have scored 14 goals in their previous three games only conceding one This game is massive for both in the play-off race this season this could be a season-defining game with both teams placed so closely Whitley Bay have come into form at the right time to propel themselves towards the playoffs and will give Benfield a tough game tomorrow they must win on Saturday to fend Whitley Bay off The win on Tuesday will have instilled massive confidence inside the team and that performance should help them get over the line in their hunt for play-offs I’m going to go with a 3-2 Newcastle Benfield win.” Tweets by Sports_Byte A church is reaching out to new audiences after finding success with Sunday evening services.   The weekly services have become a popular fixture at St Paul’s where they are a welcome addition to traditional Sunday morning eucharists.   And the 6pm Sunday slot has been relaunched this year with four different styles on offer for each week of every month.    Choral evensong on the first Sunday evening of the month is followed by Taize style worship on the second Sunday a Healing service on the third Sunday and ‘Encounter’ on the fourth.    The Revd John Vilaseca said: “Each service has a very different feel We have a worship band and it’s a very relaxed setting These services are for anyone who might find traditional worship a bit formal and for those who are either not available on a Sunday morning or would rather attend church in the evening.  We are seeing a new Sunday evening congregation starting to form We have refreshed the schedule for 2025 to make sure that there’s some variation.”  Choral evensong has always been a regular fixture during John’s six years at St Paul’s while Taize style worship is something the vicar introduced himself.   Taize services last for about 45 minutes and include songs They are named after a French Christian community where the meditative songs were written by the Taize brothers and provide an opportunity for individual contemplation.  The Healing service includes prayers for healing and the needs of others who are not present There is a themed sermon and hymns are sung.   John has previously led Spanish eucharists at St Paul’s although they are not currently part of the schedule “Traditional worship is as important as ever,” he explained “But we’re keen to try different things especially on a Sunday evening when these services are less formal and are bringing people into church who do not come in on a Sunday morning.”  John said the Sunday evening environment is also a good opportunity for people who might wish to remain anonymous in church or for those looking to use the church for personal prayer before leaving.   “Our church community has responded well to it,” said John “We have involved our readers with the services and with everyone’s support it is building up another congregation.”   This year, there will be a 'come and sing' during choral evensong at St Paul’s for choristers of all ages and for those who wish to try singing in a choir. For more information check the St Paul’s Facebook page @stpaulswhitleybay or visit their website:  www.saintpaulswhitleybay.org.uk  Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review It’s my second trip to Neverland in the past week and boy have Blue Genie at Whitley Bay Playhouse got something special for you with their version of The New Adventures of Peter Pan This show takes you on a magical journey beyond the familiar story we all know and love this pantomime captures the spirit of adventure and festive cheer delivering an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages the energy and charm of the cast deliver a whirlwind trip to Neverland like never before The narrative is set years after the original story and our tale begins with Wendy’s great Jessica and Angela Darling in the nursery as their Auntie Patsy regales stories of Wendy’s Neverland adventures in a time gone by Cue the arrival of a roller-skating Tinkerbell who has come looking for Wendy as Captain Hook Tink convinces the new generation of Darlings to take to the air and fly away on a new quest to save Neverland.The show is anchored by the dynamic knockabout that is Steve Walls playing the comical role of Smee It’s no wonder this is his fourteenth year at Whitley Bay Playhouse (and 28th pantomime as a principal comic) His unwavering ease with the audience and infectious energy delivered a first-class performance that only years of experience can bring Bouncing off this performance to create a fantastic duo was Luke Martin as Starky The interaction between the pair added hilarious moments wild antics and a Tuesday night audience that was thoroughly entertained cute as a button delivery and slapstick hilarity had me in stitches from start to finish Together their comedic chemistry and engaging performances were a match made in panto heaven Darren Day as Captain Hook was a smash hit From glorious vocals to Jack Sparrows antics he looked like he was having the time of his life in this villainous role sparring with the cast and audience – he was positively gleeful to be bad He certainly feels at home in pantomime and it’s no surprise that he has been nominated in the category of Best Male Villain at the Great British Pantomime Awards for a previous rendition of Captain Hook working seamlessly with the cast to create a cohesive performance where everyone had their moment to shine can we pause to appreciate the wonder that is the Act 1 finale…..no spoilers allowed – but wow!! Showing that this show spared no expense to bring a spectacular production where no bell or whistle was spared But bringing big dame energy back as Patsy the Mermaid is the wonderful Daniel Mawston and spectacular outfits that left no rhinestone behind showing why Patsy is the treasure of the North East showcasing glorious vocals and sensational skating skills she had the young people in the audience absolutely mesmerised Sophie McKinnon as Jessica Darling was feisty and fun with a beautiful singing voice But my little star was India Rutherford playing Angela Darling Rutherford is part of a trio of young actresses sharing the role of Angela and what a future star we have on our hands here From start to finish she was fully in character An asset to the show with a level of professionalism beyond her years Bringing in the final element of pantomime magic is my personal favourite ingredient brought a whirlwind of energy to the musical numbers bursting with lively movement that perfectly captured the spirit of the production The ensemble’s synchronisation was impressive creating a sense of intended joyous chaos that filled the stage The dance troupe was made up of four technically sound professional dancers; Rory Betts Nicholas McMahon and dance captain Megan Wade we had the Green Team bringing the sass and cute factor to the performance It’s an absolute joy to see children make up a part of any pantomime and their beaming smiles said it all The New Adventures of Peter Pan is a magical At Whitley Bay Playhouse until 4 January 2025 Made with Squarespace For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 03:27 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 Some high level cloud turning the sunshine hazy at times Staying dry with some lengthy clear skies overnight Turning chilly with a touch of grass frost in places with variable amounts of cloud and sunny spells on Wednesday Fine and settled weather conditions are expected to continue with variable cloud and bright or sunny spells throughout Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average A back and forth first half saw Boldon score their goals through Robbie Gateshill four minutes in and Aaron Williams in the 34th either side of a Whitley Bay equaliser from Joe Robson Whitley Bay had their chances to draw themselves level for a second time however saves from Boldon’s Oliver Walker guided the home side into the 3rd round Boldon came into the game looking to maintain the momentum they have recently built up in the league whilst Whitley Bay were off the back of a big home win vs West Auckland in Division One Boldon took the lead when a swift move down the left-hand side was finished neatly by Gateshill into the bottom-right corner Whitley Bay didn’t take long to hit back however A scramble in the box landed at the feet of Robson who powered home to level the tie The winner came around ten minutes before the break A ball into the box from a free kick wasn’t gathered by the Whitley Bay keeper and Williams reacted first to prod home and regain Boldon’s lead The visitors had the better of the second half but struggled to test the Boldon number one until the latter stages when a finger-tip save from Walker denied Whitley Bay captain Michael Scott It was a huge win in the end for the Division Two side against a team pushing for the play-offs in the division above A £5.3 million project to restore the historic canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station has entered a new phase with the works focusing on the atrium at the front of the building Nexus, the public body which runs Metro, has now begun refurbishing the atrium and the two smaller canopies at the station. The atrium ceiling is being renewed with new glazing and lighting installed. The ironwork on the two canopies which run along the station’s frontage is also being restored to its former glory. The wider restoration project, part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme, is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2025. A total of 1,296 new panes of glass have now been fitted in the main canopy – working out as 2,000 square metres of new glazing. This is to replace the previous glass with more robust, modern alternatives and install improved means of maintaining the canopy’s ongoing condition and appearance. And some the scaffolding has started to come down, giving customers the chance to see the restored canopy for the first time. The glazing directly above the Metro tracks has been reinstated to provide a more sheltered environment for customers. New lighting is being installed along with a new public address system and new CCTV cameras for improved security. Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We’re now doing additional works on the front of Whitley Bay Metro station, restoring the atrium and the two canopies at the front of the building. “The ironwork which included the station’s name was in particular need of work. These works are progressing and customers can already see that it’s a vast improvement on its previous condition. “The Metro station and the businesses located there will continue to remain open throughout the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be completed next spring. “Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm. It has proudly served the Metro since the network opened. This project will ensure that the station is there for locals and visitors to enjoy for many decades to come.” Kier, a leading provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments, is carrying out the work on behalf of Nexus. Duncan Manning, Senior Project Manager at Kier Transportation, said: “Our work to restore this station back to its former glory has been making great progress. This next phase will soon uplift the atrium and station frontage in line with the rest of the work we’ve undertaken over the past year. “It’s a restoration project we’ve been proud to be a part of, and we can see our work will truly leave a lasting legacy for the local community.”  There are three businesses based at Whitley Bay Metro station – an artisan café called Dil & the Bear, a craft ale bar called the Ticket Office, and a yoga studio called The Yoga Station. All three outlets remain open, and signage is in place to show customers that it’s business as usual. Whitley Bay station gained its Listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro system was opened. People aged from eight to into their 60s descended on Whitley Bay for the annual dunk in the chilly waters on Wednesday at 11am clad in everything from swimwear to fancy dress screamed as they ran down to the sea which has an estimated temperature of about 5'c at this time of year the dip was over in a matter of moments but others put a brave face on to stick it out for longer And on the shoreline a mass of spectators watched on from the comfort of their winter coats and woollies Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know..