Gemma Hirst

Journalism Graduate/ Culture Blogger/ Podcaster 

In my role of a Graduate Project Assistant, I was responsible for;
Writing seasonal blogs for the destination website
Creating digital content for the We Are Newcastle NGI Campaign with a result of 2,622 visits to the microsite
Promoting We Are Newcastle using organic social media posts with a result of 37,749 total reach
Providing social media posts for NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau with a result of 5,739 reach
Covering the North East Tourism Awards on social media with a result of 19,463 total reach
Designing the new 2022 flyer for City Guides
Working with media to celebrate NewcastleGateshead as a destination

Please note links will take you off this page. 

10 not to be missed events in NewcastleGateshead during Heritage Open…

'Heritage Open Days' is back for 2022, with dozens of buildings across Newcastle and Gateshead not normally accessible to the public, set to open their doors. In addition to these exclusive, not to be missed cultural experiences, some of the city's most popular landmarks and attractions are offering the chance to experience their enriching historic and cultural offerings for free. 'Heritage Open Days' is England's largest festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers
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Things to do in May Half Term in NewcastleGateshead

Are you looking for things to do with your family in NewcastleGateshead during May half term? Taking place in the North East from It is an extra special school holiday this year as the country celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which means there will be even more events, activities and celebrations to keep an eye on in Newcastle and Gateshead. With so much going on at attractions and venues across NewcastleGateshead, it can be difficult to decide what to do, where to go and when to do it.
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We Are Newcastle Map 1
We Are Newcastle Map

Romantic things to do in NewcastleGateshead on Valentine's Day

You may be forgiven for forgetting Valentine’s Day in the depths of 2021 lockdown restrictions but this year there is no excuse. Mark Monday 14 February 2022 as an important day and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. To make the most of this special occasion. Here is our guide to six romantic things to do in NewcastleGateshead.
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Child-friendly ideas for a weekend in Newcastle

After a week of work and school, you and your family will be ready for the weekend. You check your calendar, and the Saturday and Sunday is empty. Not wanting to have the children bored over the weekend, you need to fill it with lots of fun activities to do with the kids. With so much to do in Newcastle you might not know what is open on the weekend. Here is our helpful guide with eight child-friendly ideas for a weekend in Newcastle.
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Where should I go on a first date in NewcastleGateshead?

Where should I go on a first date in NewcastleGateshead? Going on a first date can be daunting, from making sure your outfit looks great to keeping check on your new hairdo. All you want is for the whole day to be perfect, with so much to think about you may not know where to go!. Lucky for you – NewcastleGateshead is the ideal place for a first date, and we have created a helpful guide to eight things to do on a first date in NewcastleGateshead. What better way to break the ice than at The
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Romantic restaurants in NewcastleGateshead

When it comes to selecting a romantic restaurant in NewcastleGateshead, you are looking for something special. Somewhere with an intimate setting and a candle-lit dinner. A fine dining restaurant that is cosy and romantic; a place where only you two can go to find peace and tranquillity and watch the rest of the busy world go by. To help you find that very place, here are seven romantic restaurants in NewcastleGateshead.
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Best Restaurants for Families in Newcastle Gateshead

When the kids are off school, you try to pack in as many fun activities in NewcastleGateshead as you can to keep them entertained. Then you realise you have planned the full day and forgotten about where to take the family for a bite to eat. We have some great family-friendly restaurants for everyone to enjoy in Newcastle and Gateshead. It can be difficult if your children are fussy eaters, however, with plenty of menu choices for all the family - from pizzas to burgers, curries or toasties, th
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What Can I Do Between Christmas and New Year in NewcastleGateshead?

Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art in Gateshead is exploring what it is like to bring out your inner child and experience play. Equal Play is a new commission by artist Albert Potrony. The exhibition explores play through fun and colourful sculptures that are interactive. Now that the Theatre scene has reopened, it means that pantos are back (oh yes, they are) across Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, you can experience all s
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Alternative Nights Out in NewcastleGateshead

You can never complain of being bored in NewcastleGateshead as there are plenty of things to do. From going to the theatre, eating at a restaurant to experiencing the nightlife and culture of the region. But what if you want to entertain your friends in the city and find something a bit different to experience? Well guess what, you can do that too. NewcastleGateshead offers so many jam-packed activities that it is bound to entertain whoever you are out and about with. From a variety of indoor
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Christmas Carol concerts and services in NewcastleGateshead

This year you can experience Christmas Carol Services in Newcastle and Gateshead in real life. Unlike last year when all the services were virtual, churches and venues are opening their doors again and welcoming you back with open arms to attend their Christmas Carols. When it comes to celebrating Christmas in NewcastleGateshead there is a vast selection of services to choose from. Perhaps you experienced a virtual service last year at Newcastle Cathedral and you want to visit in person this y
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Enjoy your Christmas Dinner in NewcastleGateshead

Why stress about getting your turkey in the oven on time or how many Brussel sprouts your family will eat? You can put your feet up and treat yourself to Christmas Dinner in NewcastleGateshead. Newcastle and Gateshead is the place to be this Christmas - there are so many excellent restaurants to choose from, many of which have brilliant options for Christmas Dining. From festive Afternoon Teas to cosy outdoor festive drinks and nibbles with all the Christmassy vibes around a roaring fire. But p
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Where to meet Father Christmas in Newcastle and Gateshead

Father Christmas is terribly busy at this time of year, and we know how important it is to get your Christmas list in before the big day. If you are looking for Christmas events to enjoy as a family in Newcastle then look no further! Experience a brilliant day out in Newcastle and meet the big man himself too! We have managed to locate Santa’s sleigh to find out where you can meet Santa in the North East this Christmas. Santa has set up a Grotto right inside the Grainger Market in Newcastle. He
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Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in NewcastleGateshead

It’s a New Year and a new you, so what better way to celebrate that than in Newcastle? With fireworks, laser lights, music, restaurants the city has plenty to offer you to make sure your 2022 goes off with a bang. Newcastle is famous for its firework celebrations; they’re so good there are two displays for you to see. The Newcastle annual New Year’s Eve family-friendly fireworks have returned, they will take place at 6 pm on 31st December 2021 along the quayside. This event is free and will inc
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City Guide
City Guide