In 1998, worldwide publicity greeted The Angel of the North - the impressive sculpture which gazes silently south from Gateshead. In many ways, this symbolises an artistic awakening that has been taking shape across the region, and there is now much to inspire the culturally-motivated visitor to Northumbria. The Theatre Royal in Newcastle hosts annual seasons of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Scottish Opera, and other major plays and musicals feature in its year-round programme.
Contemporary theatre is also well represented in the region.
Newcastle Arena is a brand new 10,000 seater performance venue. Other celebrated venues include the Sunderland Empire, Newcastle Playhouse and Darlington Civic Theatre. All the cities and large towns have a huge choice of cafes, bars, bistros and restaurants - some with a national reputation. There are also theatres, cinema and arts centres with excellent programmes in every major venue. The region never passes up the chance of a party, and so there are dozens of festivals and feasts, old and new.