The 2025 PEN Lecture will be delivered by award-winning novelist Kamila Shamsie on 19 June 2025, at the Culture Lab in Newcastle, in partnership with New Writing North and the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA). English PEN’s annual PEN Lecture invites a leading writer to reflect on the current state of free expression, and to explore th...
Nightingales, or “Bulbuls”, hold a special place in Persian culture, with their song representing a spiritual seeker, yearning for union with the divine. Their passionate songs are often directed towards the rose, symbolising both earthly beauty and the divine beloved and highlighting the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. GemArts launches Masala Festival 2025 with Songs of ...
Death Magic" offers a poignant journey through the intersection of neurodivergent experience and the rich tapestry of Punjabi perspectives on death, ancestry, and the enduring power of memory. This deeply personal exhibition by Sofia Barton presents a compelling collection of drawings, ethereal cyanotypes on glass, evocative paintings, and symbolically decorated rehals. These diverse mediums ...
Celebrating the Flavours of South Asia We’re back and once again, proud to partner with the GemArts Masala Festival to honour the vibrant culture and cuisine of South Asia. As Newcastle’s original Indian street food pioneers, we’ve crafted a special festival menu inspired by the rich, diverse culinary traditions of South Asia. Fr...
At Masala Festival experience the transformative power of Ashtanga Yoga and embrace a journey of mind-body wellness. Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and structured practice that synchronizes breath with a series of progressive postures, promoting physical strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Join Palak, a vibrant Newcastle-based yoga instructor, for an uplifting session designed to refresh your b...