Case Studies

If you are planning to travel to the conference by car, please remember that the Tyne Bridge is currently undergoing major restoration works and is down to one lane each way.

We recommend avoiding the Tyne Bridge as there are expected delays of up to 40 minutes at peak travel times. Heavy congestion is expected on the Quayside route, Swing Bridge and routes to and from Redheugh Bridge and all approaches to the Tyne Bridge from both Newcastle and Gateshead sides.

Public transport is strongly advised when travelling to and from Newcastle city centre and Gateshead town centre, whether or not you now drive over the Tyne. For those who can’t use public transport, other river crossings that drivers could use include the A19, with the Tyne Tunnel connecting North Shields and Jarrow. Further west, motorists could cross the Tyne via the A1 on Blaydon Bridge or Scotswood Bridge, which connects the A694 and A695.

Whichever route you decide to use, we advise planning ahead, allow more time for your journeys, and expect delays.

More information about parking, public transport & journey here!

We have a special room rate available for our guests at the venue (Grand hotel, Gosforth park) which is £69 bed and breakfast per room per night (single occupancy).

To make a booking, please call the hotel sales office on 01912364111 option 2 during office hours or email groups760@theelitevenueselection.co.uk and quote *Schools NE Patron’s Dinner*

Please note that there are a limited number of rooms available at this rate and are confirmed by the hotel on a first come first serve basis.

Newcastle Racecourse bus station is located a 3 minutes walk from the venue.
Arriva Buses 43,44 & 45 and Go North East bus 116 stop there

The nearest metro station is Regent Centre, Buses 43, 44 & 45 leave from the station to the Newcastle Racecourse stop outside the venue

On-site parking is available and free of charge. From 18:00, car registration will be switched off but if any guests are staying overnight or if you are arriving before 18:00, please input your car reg on the screen at reception. Failure to do so may result in a parking fine.

Upon arrival, please check your name on the screens in the foyer and drinks reception room to find your assigned table. To register your arrival, please visit the SNE staff in the foyer once dinner is announced, before taking your seat.

OPEN WIFI –
Elite Venue WiFi or Grandstand Gosforth
(no passwords)

If you would like to arrange a taxi for the night of the event, here are a few suggestions to help with your plans:

• LA Taxi – 0191 287 7777
• Blueline Taxi – 0191 262 6666
• Five Star Taxis – 0191 222 0555

Many in our network will already be aware that one of our long-standing school connections has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Her courage, together with the extraordinary response from her school community, has inspired us to support the wider MND campaign at our Patron’s Dinner.

As part of this effort, we will be holding a silent raffle on the evening. An envelope will be placed at your seat for any cash donations, and a QR code will also be available at each table. Whichever option you choose, we kindly ask that you complete your details on the front of the envelope and place it in the donation box located in the main room on the night.

Raffle prizes will be on display during the evening, and winners will be announced on the night. Our sincere thanks go to all our sponsors and partners for their generous prize donations and continued support.

True Colours Theatre is an award-winning inclusive theatre school and registered charity based in Wallsend, near Newcastle upon Tyne, that supports children and young people of all abilities to build confidence, friendships and life skills through the performing arts.

Founded in 2014, it provides a safe, welcoming and fully accessible space for those with additional needs, including autism, ADHD and anxiety, to express themselves creatively without judgement.