Social Programme at EIE2025

Join our social programme!

Make new friends, gain new knowledge, or develop new hobbies by attending our social activities, which offer hand-picked offers at special rates for all EIE2025 attendees. Fun is guaranteed!

You can register for the activities below when registering for the event.

Brinkburn Brewery Tour and (Optional) Tasting

Do you have more than a passing interest in the beer in your glass beyond just the ABV? Would you like to learn more about brewing, ingredients, a touch of history, and what it takes to craft a proper top-class pint?
Brinkburn St Brewery was formed in Byker, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, in January 2015. In November 2017, the brewery moved to its current location in the heart of the Ouseburn Valley. Experience the Brinkburn Brewery in a guided session with one of the exceptional brewers and a tour of their fully functional microbrewery.

Date: Wednesday, June 4^thTime: 16.00 – 16.45 (45 minutes)
Price: € 12 without tasting and € 26 with tasting

Ouseburn Past, Present and Future Tour

The Ouseburn Valley is often regarded as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in Newcastle. The area's rich industrial heritage dates back to the 17th century. By the mid-20th century, many local industries, houses, and pubs had closed or relocated. The area presented a sorry, neglected mix of empty buildings, derelict sites, scrapyards, warehouses, and car-related businesses. This changed with the influx of artists and musicians into the area in the early 1980s. Today, Ouseburn is a vibrant urban village—home to a conservation area often called Newcastle's Cultural Quarter. Along the way, the route features some gentle inclines, steps, and seating points.

More information about the area: https://ouseburntrust.org.uk/events/event/?eid=4074

Date: Wednesday, June 4^thTime: 15.30 – 17.00 (90 minutes)
Price: € 12

The Lit & Phil Library Tour

The Lit & Phil is Newcastle’s exquisite independent library, welcoming all to explore and browse. Founded in 1793, it became a hub of learning and enlightenment long before the city’s universities came into existence. Today, it continues to inspire minds, stimulate imaginations and bestow a wealth of knowledge upon young and old alike. The library boasts a collection of over 170,000 books (ranging from 16th-century tomes to modern fiction) and holds the largest music collection in the North of England. It serves as a sanctuary for book lovers, an oasis for musicians, and a realm of magic and mystery for children and the young at heart. Join this guided tour and be amazed!

More information: https://www.litandphil.org.uk/about-us/

Date: Thursday 5th JuneTime: 17.00 – 18.00 (60 minutes)
Price: € 10

Newcastle Tour: From Coal to Culture

This tour will take you on both a physical and historical journey through Newcastle, showcasing the city’s rich industrial heritage and the wealth that flowed into Newcastle through trade. Historically, you will see evidence of Romans and Normans, as well as architectural splendour including Grainger Town. The walk begins in the centre at Grey’s Monument and concludes by the River Tyne, demonstrating Newcastle’s transformation from Coal to Culture.

Date: Thursday 5th JuneTime: 17.00-18.30 (90 minutes)

Date: Friday 6th JuneTime: 17.30-19.00 (90 minutes)

Price: € 12

Beginners’ Guide to Urban Sketching

This is a gentle step-by-step approach to putting pen to paper and building the courage to go out and capture the urban scene. The workshop will commence with a short presentation and demonstration designed to quickly impart techniques you can immediately practise. Aimed at absolute beginners, the 2-hour workshop will instil confidence in trying these techniques whenever you have a spare moment and set you on the path to becoming an urban sketcher.
The workshop is led by Len Grant, who worked as a freelance documentary photographer in Manchester for three decades before exchanging his camera for a pen. He now uses sketching to tell stories and is about to publish his fourth urban sketchbook, which explores different neighbourhoods in the city.

More info: www.lengrant.co.uk

Date: Thursday 5th JuneTime: 17.00-19.00 (120 minutes)

Date: Friday 6th JuneTime: 17.30-19.30 (120 minutes)

Price: € 32,50 (including materials)

Unconference Swim at Cullercoats Bay

Kick off Unconference Day with a refreshing wild swim at the beautiful Cullercoats Bay—a favourite local spot on the North East coast, known for its sheltered waters and community spirit. This relaxed, informal swim is open to all EIE2025 attendees—no need to be an experienced swimmer. Just come along, dip in the sea, and start the day with a bit of adventure, connection, and coastal air.
This will be a guided swim led by an experienced open water swimmer and lifeguard. You’ll get an introduction to the cold water swimming culture of the North East before heading into the sea together. After the swim, we’ll warm up with hot drinks on the beach and take in the coastal views.

Date: Saturday 7th JuneTime: 10.00

Where: Cullercoats Bay (easy Metro access from central Newcastle)What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, warm layers

Price: € 5