What better destination than a place rich in culture, architecture and history with a great reputation for theatre, live music, shopping and a cool and cosmopolitan nightlife.
We are delighted to offer all readers the chance to win a city break at the vibrant, cultural and cosmopolitan destination of NewcastleGateshead.
Vibrant to the core, NewcastleGateshead has a creative programme to take the area through a decade of world-class culture. Hotbed 2004 is the theme for this year, reflecting a hotbed of ideas and creativity developed in the North East. Throughout the summer there will be a host of events bringing together design, gardens, art, sport and more to the city and the wider region. Unique and unusual - but always world-class - NewcastleGateshead is the place to visit this year. Just a sample of events this summer:
English Heritage presents Fashion at Belsay (until September 30) - 13 of Britain's most innovative and enigmatic fashion designers have been invited to respond to the magnificent neo-classical mansion Belsay Hall, its 14th Century castle and Grade 1-listed gardens. Designers including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Zandra Rhodes, Paul Smith, Jean Muir and Agent Provocateur.
The Alnwick Garden - Already attracting media excitement and visitors from around the world, in the Autumn Alnwick Garden will be unveiling its latest must-see attractions with the creation of three new gardens; Poison, Labyrinth and Serpent, and one of the world's largest wooden Tree Houses - Treetopia.
Gallery in the Park, Leazes Park - The 36 acres of restored Leazes Park in Newcastle city centre become an outdoor gallery for summer 2004 - discover unique planting and fabulous garden art around every corner.
Discover different perspectives everywhere, for further information: www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com/hotbed2004.
If you like to pick up something original, NewcastleGateshead won't disappoint. Look out for original art in the Biscuit Factory (the largest commercial art-space in Europe), with everything from paintings, photography, glass and ceramics, or head for the David Welsh Gallery or Art Works, both are galleries and studios with the artist in residence, offering something that bit different.
Shopaholics need look no further. MetroCentre and Eldon Square shopping centres are amongst Europe's largest outlets for high street stores. The first Marks & Spencer Lifestore has opened recently opposite the MetroCentre in Gateshead. Covering every aspect of living in nine different worlds from rest to al fresco, the Lifestore also features a full-sized house designed by Architect John Pawson.
For more information about NewcastleGateshead and to book your accommodation on-line go to www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com or call today for your free visitors guide on 0191 277 8000 and quote reference NGI 08. You can also contact the Accommodation Booking service team on 0906 680 6805 (25p per minute) and they will search and book accommodation for you.
To enter our competition to win a free weekend break, staying at a top city centre hotel, simply answer this question: Name one of the designers who will be featured at Belsay Hall this summer?
Send your answers to: NewcastleGateshead Competition, CityLiving Magazine, Weaman Street, Birmingham B4 6AT, to be received no later than Friday, June 25 2004. Or you can email your answer, with postal address and telephone number, to magazines@mrn.co.uk
Usual CityLiving competition rules apply, the editor's decision is final.
Terms and conditions: The prize is a 2-night break, based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room staying at a designated hotel (minimum 3 star) in NewcastleGateshead. Accommodation includes breakfast. The prize is offered subject to availability and must be taken before December 31, 2004. | 
