Newcastle-Gateshead chosen to host the Great Exhibition of the North

Halifax had put its hat in the ring, but failed to make the shortlist in July. In September, the town then threw its weight behind neighbouring Bradford in its bid to host the event.

The exhibition will showcase the great creative, cultural and design sectors in the city and across the whole of the North of England.

The Government is contributing £5 million towards the exhibition itself and a further £15 million into a legacy fund to attract further cultural investment in the Northern Powerhouse.

Newcastle-Gateshead faced competition from a number of other bidding towns and cities, including the three other shortlisted bidders - Blackpool, Bradford and Sheffield.

The Tyneside bid was declared the winner on the recommendation of the Great Exhibition Board chaired by Welcome To Yorkshire chief executive Sir Gary Verity.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said: “The Great Exhibition of the North is fantastic news for Newcastle-Gateshead. It will showcase the dynamic arts, cultural and design scenes in the city and across the whole of the North.

“It’s so important that, regardless of where you’re from in the country, everyone is able to enjoy and access great culture. This cultural investment will bring enormous benefits to the region, including regeneration, increased tourism and cultural engagement. Congratulations to Newcastle-Gateshead on their successful bid - I’m excited to see what summer 2018 will bring.”

Plans for the event include three walking circuits around Tyneside focusing on arts, design and innovation; a major exhibition hub at Great North Museum: Hancock; an innovative programme of new artistic and creative commissions; an entertaining and informative summer camp at Exhibition Park for families and an extensive learning programme.

Sir Gary Verity added: “Newcastle-Gateshead put forward an exciting and innovative bid to host the Great Exhibition of the North. Their ambitious plans will showcase fantastic venues across the city and highlight their unique heritage, culture and design. People from across the country can expect an amazing show in summer 2018.”