From local heroes to some of music’s biggest stars, you’ll find a great show if you head to the O2 Academy during your stay in Newcastle. Take a walk around the O2 Academy and you’ll see signs of previous incarnations as a picture house, ballroom and bingo hall in its atmospheric original features. Formerly known as the Carling Academy, the O2 Academy has delighted the city’s music fans since its opening night when local band, The Futureheads, played to a sold out crowd. Other highlights have included shows from The Specials, Slash, Amy Winehouse, Blur, Robert Plant, The Prodigy, Adele, Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, Foals and New Order.
O2 Academy Newcastle
O2 Academy
O2 Academy
Essential Information
The Academy’s facilities include bars with free drinking water, plenty of toilets and medical assistance on hand to help. If you don’t want to hold onto your coat during the gig, you can drop it off at the cloakroom for a small fee or for free, if you’re an O2 customer. But remember to travel light as cloakroom space is limited and they won’t accept larger bags.
From wheelchair ramps to companion tickets, the Academy has full disabled access. If you let the venue know about your special requirements at the time of booking or have your details recorded on an Access Card, they’ll arrange everything so you don’t have to worry.
Top Tip
If you want to plan your evening in advance, you’ll find opening times, stage times and curfew times on the O2’s website, so take a look before you head out.
Eating and Drinking
Want to have a drink or a meal before the gig? There a plenty of options in and around the O2.
You’re not allowed to take your own food and drink into the O2, but don’t worry there are bars serving snack food inside the venue. Looking for something more substantial? You’re spoilt for choice for food in Newcastle’s city centre. There’s great modern British cuisine on offer at Bonar, while the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse should be your first choice for fine dining.
There are plenty of bars in the Academy, but if you’re looking for a pre-gig drink head out into the town centre. For a quick pint pop into nearby pub, The Mile Castle. Looking for something a little different? The Botanist offers modern decor, a great selection of botanical cocktails and one of the best beer gardens in Newcastle.
Getting to The O2 Academy Newcastle
Located in Newcastle city centre, there are plenty of ways to get to the O2 Academy. One of the easiest is by Metro. With both Central and Monument stations close by, you’ll have no trouble catching a Metro to the O2.
By car
If you’re driving to the O2 there are lots of pay and display spots around that become free in the evening.
By bus
Close to three main stations: Eldon Square, Haymarket and Northumberland offer plenty of night options.
By train
Just 500 metres around the corner from Central station, taking the train to the O2 is a great option.