Christmas in Newcastle 2015 - Newcastle University

Christmas in Newcastle 2015

Christmas in Newcastle 2015

Wherever you are from and whether you are at Newcastle or Northumbria University, if you are staying in Newcastle over the Christmas holidays this brochure is for you. Many students, both home and overseas, stay in the city during Christmas and New Year and we hope to give everyone the chance to meet up and take part in one of the many exciting events, plan a special family outing or make a traditional Christmas meal. We hope that you will find this guide helpful and that it will inspire you to help make this holiday a truly memorable one for you!

What to expect during the holidays................................................................................................................................. 3 Celebrating Christmas in England..................................................................................................................................... 5 Make your own Christmas Day in five easy steps..................................................................................................... 6 What’s on this Christmas.......................................................................................................................................................... 9 University Opening...................................................................................................................................................................16 Important Information............................................................................................................................................................18

Join the Facebook group ‘ Christmas in Newcastle

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northumbria.ac.uk newcastle.ac.uk

What

to expect during the holidays

The festive period is a busy time for most people in the UK and it is often a time when people spend more time with their families. Those who celebrate Christmas are likely to do so with specially prepared food, by decorating their homes and exchanging gifts. Christmas is a Christian festival and some people will visit churches and cathedrals to participate in services and concerts throughout the holiday period. All of Newcastle’s churches and cathedrals will have something to offer and you can visit them whether you are Christian or not. Services on 24 December – Christmas Eve – can be particularly enjoyable with carols, lighting of candles and children’s choirs. For many the holiday period is a time to eat, drink and shop so be aware that in the run-up to Christmas the centre of Newcastle will be very busy indeed. Public transport will be affected with most services running a restricted timetable and on 25 December will cease altogether.

Most shops and public buildings will be open every day except Christmas Day itself – 25 December and New Year’s Day – 1 January. However, many shops and public buildings will have reduced opening hours on Christmas Eve 24, Boxing Day 26 and New Year’s Eve 31 December. Remember to buy enough food before Christmas Day! If you are planning to go somewhere over the holidays, especially around Christmas itself, it is best to check ahead to make sure the place is open and that there is transport available. It is also wise to have the number of a taxi service handy. Some local taxi numbers include: Blueline 0191 262 6666 Budget Taxis 0191 298 5050 Dean 0191 444 4444 Five Star 0191 232 8888

Please see the following links to check on timetables for local and national services. newcastle.gov.uk/parking-roads-andtransport/public-transport nexus.org.uk/metro newcastlegateshead.com/winter-festival/ festive-shopping

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T he meaning of

Christmas

At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (where the word ‘Christian’ comes from). Christians believe that Jesus was born of a human mother – Mary, often referred to as the Virgin Mary and that Jesus is God’s son. There are lots of traditions built up around the Christmas story. Christians believe that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in present-day Israel, and that he was born in a stable (where animals are kept), because there was no room at the inn. The first visitors to see him were shepherds. We are also told of a later visit when wise men (often referred to as ‘the three Kings’) came from the east to see him, bringing him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Most Christmas carol services will tell these stories and seek to explain their significance in music and words. If you wish to discuss Christmas and its significance to Christians, please contact the Chaplaincy. See ncl.ac.uk/students/chaplaincy or northumbria.ac.uk/chaplaincy

Christmas Trees Christmas trees were first introduced to Britain from Germany in the eighteenth century by the British Royal Family. In the nineteenth century Christmas trees became popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, following the publication in the ‘Illustrated London News’

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of a picture featuring the Royal Family sitting around a finely decorated Christmas tree. Although some people have their tree out from early December the ‘proper’ time is in fact 24 December or Christmas Eve, after Advent, and it should be taken down on 6 January – Epiphany.


Celebrating Christmas in England If this is your first Christmas in England we would like to help you to make sense of it all. Here follows a brief guide to some of our Christmas traditions. served with brandy sauce and brandy butter. If you buy a pudding, and have specific dietary requirements, be sure to look at the ingredients as many contain animal fat and alcohol though many versions exist without these additions.

Christmas Food Food plays a very important role in the Christmas celebrations with the Christmas Day dinner being the central meal of the festivities. This is eaten at different times, according to family tradition, but is normally a lunchtime rather than an evening meal. It traditionally comprises roast turkey with chestnut stuffing served with potatoes and vegetables including brussel sprouts. It is now relatively easy to serve a traditional turkey dinner with all of the ‘trimmings’ (as we call everything that goes with the meal). This is because all major supermarkets have ready-toroast turkeys and ready-prepared vegetables and gravy. Of course, not everyone eats turkey, or meat, and there are some traditional meatfree dishes too. One is the nut roast which is served with vegetarian gravy. After the meal the traditional dish is a Christmas pudding – a dark, fruit-laden cake-like pudding

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Mince pies, which are sweet, used to be savoury pies containing a mixture of meat, fruit and alcohol. They were traditionally oval in shape to represent Jesus’ crib. They are now a sweet pie containing fruit, eaten after dinner or by themselves with a drink.

Santa Claus Our modern Santa Claus, developed from the legend of St Nicholas, is said to travel through the night skies on a sleigh, guided by his reindeer. Santa Claus traditionally leaves small, unwrapped gifts in Christmas stockings hung out on 24 December. This tradition developed from the tales of St Nicholas, who, according to legend, left money in the stockings of poor men’s daughters as they slept, in order to pay for their dowries. We now only give stockings to children and they are hung on the end of their bed ready to open in the morning. It is traditional to include some nuts and a small orange in the bottom, which again dates back to St Nicholas providing for the poor. Small presents of any kind are referred to as ‘stocking fillers’.


Make your own Christmas Day in 5 easy steps

1 Christmas decorations If you wish to enter into the spirit, you must put up some kind of decorations. The shops are full of them at the minute so you can take your pick. Most have displays which can give you a good idea of what to buy and how to assemble

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your decorations. For an idea of how it should all look and suggestions of differently-priced options, see the links below: johnlewis.com direct.asda.com/christmas-shop


2 Exchanging gifts

5 Church service

Exchanging gifts is an essential part of the day and is normally done in the morning. Why not get together with friends and organise a ‘secret Santa’? See below for ideas on how to do this.

Most churches hold a carol service, which may be candlelit, in the weeks before Christmas. The dates will vary – look at your nearest church noticeboards or websites for details. On Christmas Eve (24 December), many churches have a service starting at about 11.30pm and lasting for an hour. This Midnight Mass is a traditional part of an English Christmas. Most churches will also have a mid-morning service on Christmas Day (25 December). Again we refer you to their noticeboards and websites as there are too many to list here.

howopia.co.uk/howto/how-organisesecret-santa secretsanta.co.uk

3 Festive food and drink The traditional dinner, eaten at lunchtime or early evening according to personal preference, normally comprises turkey and ‘all the trimmings’. Many people prefer another meat or a vegetarian option. Whatever you decide to have, make it special – set the table and provide Christmas crackers for everyone. Most shops have ready-made food for Christmas but if you want to cook it all yourself, look at the links below. savethestudent.org/save-money/fooddrink savethestudent.org/save-money/fooddrink/student-recipes/christmas-dinnerrecipes.html

4 The Royal Christmas Message Every Christmas Day, the Queen addresses the nation at 3pm when she talks about the past year and the year ahead. In the past, many families would sit down together to hear what she had to say but this tradition has decreased over the years. For information on this tradition, see the links below:

There are also other religious festivals at this time of year including Jewish Chanuka and Pagan Yule. For more information about church services over the Christmas period, please contact Catherine or Andii, university chaplains at Newcastle and Northumbria universities. ncl.ac.uk/students/chaplaincy or northumbria.ac.uk/chaplaincy

We hope that you have a wonderful

Christmas Day however you choose to spend your time.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_ Christmas_Message

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圣诞快乐 С Рождеством

God Jül

สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส

Feliz Natal

Buon Natale

Selamat Hari Natal

Merry Christmas!

메리 크리스마스

聖誕節同新年快樂

Fröhe Weihnachten Joyeux Noël

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Siku Kuu Njema

‫ديعس داليم ديع‬

节日快乐

Feliz Navidad


What’s on this Christmas Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have organised a series of events for you to enjoy over the festive period. Please see the following pages for details.

How to book tickets PLEASE NOTE – All events (including free events) require a ticket for each person attending. Tickets are available from 12.00 on Tuesday 2 December to Wednesday 23 December via NU webstore. For full details on each event, including number of places available and joining instructions, please go to:

northumbria.ac.uk/christmasinnewcastle ncl.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/about/Christmas

Newcastle University Christmas in Newcastle launch

Northumbria University Christmas in Newcastle launch

Tuesday 1 December

Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 December

Come and meet Santa Claus and his Elf, see what’s in our programme and plan your Christmas break.

Come and meet Santa Claus and his Elf, see what’s in our programme and plan your Christmas break.

From 11.00am to 2.00pm in The Cube, reception of Students’ Union Building

From 11.00am to 2.00pm in the Students’ Union Building

No charge and no ticket needed

No charge and no ticket needed

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Rainy Day Reads in the Robinson Library, Newcastle University Monday 21 December 14.00 – 16.00 As we approach the longest night of the year The Robinson Library is hosting a book group with a difference…festive scary stories is a tradition older than Elizabeth I.

Ice Skating at Centre for Life

Step out of the cold and bring along your favourite chilling read for this time of year and tell us why you love it. We will share our favourite gothic horror stories and British festive traditions, and we’d love to hear what this time of year means to you.

Wednesday 23 December

Don’t worry if you are shy, you don’t have to read aloud, come along and enjoy the comfy chairs, tea and cake.

Durham City visit, Cathedral Carol Service and lunch (optional)

FREE but booking essential – places are limited. Go to https://rainydayreadschristmas2015. eventbrite.co.uk

The charming and beautiful medieval city of Durham lies only 15 minutes from Newcastle. It is filled with historic building, shops, cafés and galleries. Wander through the winding streets and enjoy the final countdown to Christmas Day itself. Durham Cathedral is one of the great buildings of Europe. At over 1000 years old it is a World heritage site and a focus of pilgrimage and spirituality in North East England. We will travel there by train and spend some time looking around the city before taking an optional lunch in a local café. The service is a traditional carol service with Christmas carols and music and traditional rituals. We will travel back to Newcastle by train, arriving at approximately 5.30pm.

Cost: FREE - PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ATTEND THIS EVENT

‘Knewcastle’ Wednesday 23 December 12.15 – 15.00 A walking treasure hunt through Newcastle to help you discover things you might not otherwise find out about the city. Refreshments in St Nicholas’ Cathedral with an opportunity to find out more about the real ‘Saint Nick’ – St Nicholas of Myra, the original Santa Claus. Cost: £3 per person

Back by popular demand! An hour’s skating followed by hot chocolate and a portion of chips (suitable for 18+ only). Cost: £7 per person

Thursday 24 December 10.00am – 5.30pm

Cost: £7.00 per person and extra for lunch, if taken

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Christmas Lunch at St Luke’s Church

Festive walking tour of Newcastle

Friday 25 December 13.30 – 16.00

Monday 28 December 14.00 – 16.00 (approx.)

Come along and enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch with 100 other students! On the menu is roast turkey with all the trimmings (or a vegetarian meal for those who prefer) and a delicious Christmas pudding to round it all off.

Explore the hidden history and culture of Newcastle – with an added festive flare.

In keeping with tradition, we will listen to the Queen give her talk to the nation at 3.00.

Cost: £7.50 per person (normally £15pp)

Cost: Free PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ATTEND THIS EVENT

Live football at St James’ Park Newcastle United v Everton Saturday 26 December 14.00 – 16.30 In an annual festive tradition Newcastle United will take on Everton on Boxing Day, a match not to be missed! Your ticket price includes entry into the exclusive Jackie Milburn Suite where you can wait for the match to start in style and keep warm at half time!! Cost: £20 per person

Beamish Museum Sunday 27 December 10.00 – 16.30 Beamish is a world famous open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Take in the sights of the town centre and manor house or enjoy traditional tasty treats, from fish and chips to traditional cakes and drinks. Explore the link below to find out what there is to do at Beamish. www.beamish.org.uk

Be guided around the city by Alex who will bring Newcastle to life, getting you to see the city in a whole new light this Christmas.

Tea and games in the INTO Building Tuesday 29 December 11.00 – 14.00 Join us for an international Tea and Games get together in the INTO building. Meet other international students and have fun playing one of the many games available. We will provide free tea, coffee and biscuits. Cost: Free PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ATTEND THIS EVENT

Tyneside Cinema with bistro Wednesday 30 December 13.00 – 16.00 (approx) Visit Newcastle’s beautiful art-house cinema to take in the latest film (film details will be available nearer the time). Meet up with your new friends to discuss the film in the stylish bistro over a drink of your choice. Cost: £6.00 per person (includes entry to cinema and one drink of your choice)

Cost: £12.00 per person (includes coach travel to and from Beamish and entry fee)

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Traditional Pantomime at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal

Ouseburn Farm visit with pub lunch

Thursday 31 December 17.00 – 19.00

Get up close with the animals, walk through the picturesque Ouseburn Valley, enjoy coffee in the café plus optional post-visit drinks at the Cluny. Please bring some money for lunch, if you wish to eat.

Visit Newcastle’s finest theatre to see the 10th anniversary production of Dick Whittington. A spectacular production packed full of fun and adventure and an abundance of comedy. Featuring plenty of glitz and glamour along with sensational musical numbers and fabulous sets and costumes, this is pantomime at its very best! Our seats are in the premium area which has been sold out since March. Once the show has finished you will be in the middle of Newcastle, ready to join in the celebration and enjoy the fireworks for New Year’s Eve. Cost: £14.00 per person (normally £28.50)

Northumberlandia and the Snowy Owl Friday 1 January 10.30 – 14.30 (approx)

Saturday 2 January 11.00 – 14.00

Cost: Free PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ATTEND THIS EVENT

Tynemouth beach, craft market and Priory Sunday 3 January 11.00 – 14.00 Come for a trip to the coast and enjoy a walk on the beach, take the opportunity to bag some vintage bargains and visit the historic Priory and Castle. Cost: £9 per person (includes metro travel to and from the event, entrance to the Priory, a hot drink and a portion of chips.)

Welcome in the new year with a visit to Northumberlandia, a stunning human landform sculpture of a reclining lady, which is the unique centrepiece of this community park in the Northumbrian countryside. Then, when you’re ready to warm your toes back up, your host will take you for a traditional 3 course pub lunch at The Snowy Owl pub close by. Cost: £12 per person (includes transport to and from the event and a 3 course meal at the Snowy Owl. Drinks are not included in the cost of your ticket and are to be purchased separately).

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Carol Service

You and your family are invited to Northumbria University’s Carol Service Thursday, 10 December 2015 at 5.30pm Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, Mosley Street, Newcastle upon Tyne To attend email [email protected] | telephone 0191 227 4717

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Newcastle University Carol Service Wednesday 16th December 5.30pm You and your family are invited to Newcastle University’s Carol Service

St Thomas’ Church Haymarket Newcastle

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What

else is there to do in Newcastle at Christmas? There are many other things happening in and around Newcastle during the Christmas holidays. For a taste of what’s on, and to organise something yourself, please visit the links below:

newcastlegateshead.com/winter-festival newcastlegateshead.com/whats-on

Produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative

NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival

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@WinterFestNG Facebook.com/WinterFestival


Newcastle University opening times during the Christmas holidays • Robinson Library – Open 10am – 5:15pm on 19th, 21st and 23rd Dec. All other dates are self-service only. Closed on 25th December. • ISS Service desk – Open 24/7. Closed on 23rd Dec and 1st January. • The Old Library Cluster will remain open throughout the Christmas period, 24/7 throughout. • Student’s Union – Closed 18 December to 4 January incl. NUSU Central Cluster, top floor, will remain open 24/7 throughout. • Security – In-house Security Service staff (University Police) are on duty 24/7 and can be contacted on 0191 208 6817 or via email at [email protected] • Castle Leazes – Closed to non-residents from 5pm on 23rd Dec until 4th January. • INTO – Closed 24 – 28 December incl. and 31 December to 1 January incl.

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Northumbria University opening times during the Christmas holidays Many of Northumbria University’s services will continue to operate over the Christmas and New Year period as follows: • The University’s Ask4Help service (email: [email protected], 0191 227 4646), which provides information and advice to students, will be available at the following times throughout the holiday period: 24 Dec Closes at 17.00 26, 27, 28 Dec Closed 29, 30 Dec 09.00 – midnight 31 Dec 09.00 – 17.00 1 Jan Closed 2, 3 Jan 09.00 – midnight 4 Jan 24/7 resumes • The University Library will be open at varying times throughout the holiday period. For more information, visit: nuweb2.northumbria.ac.uk/library_opening_hours • The IT Helpline ( 0191 227 4242, email: [email protected] or northumbria.ac.uk/itchat is open as usual, 24/7. • Many of our IT facilities (for example those in the University Library at City Campus) will be open throughout most of the Christmas and New Year period. To check where work stations are available, visit: northumbria.ac.uk/sd/central/its/about/helpline/openaccessavailable • The Students’ Union will be closed for the main Christmas and New Year period. For full details, visit http://mynsu.northumbria.ac.uk or the Northumbria Students’ Union Facebook page. • Sport Central will be open throughout the holiday period, apart from 24 December, 25 December, 26 December and 1 January. Specific opening hours do vary, more information can be found at: nusportcentral.com/facilities/sport-central • Northumbria’s Security Service is open 24/7, throughout the holidays, 0191 227 3999, emergency number: 0191 227 3200. • Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, the University website continues to provide lots of useful information for students: northumbria.ac.uk

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Important Information Christmas and New Year Programme – Insurance Guidelines • Each university hosting an event on their premises must have in place appropriate insurance cover for its legal liabilities for injury or negligence by its staff and students for activities held on their premises or within their custody and control. • Events that are held on neutral premises are responsible for their legal liabilities whilst on their premises and thus hold their own insurance cover. • We cannot guarantee that staff working on the Christmas and New Year programme will have a DBS check. • If, as a student, you choose to take your spouse or children to an event, you do so at your own risk. Children remain your responsibility at all times. • If you choose to take part in an activity you are, by doing so, agreeing that you believe yourself to be suitable for that activity (in terms of health, skills level, etc). You must use your own judgement to decide whether the activity is suitable for you.

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