Gateshead Vamos Latin Festival
Posted by Jill Bowen on Mon 30th June 2008 at 01:24 AM, Filed in Europe, July
Gateshead (north east corner of England) is the place to be from 11th – 27th July 2008. Not one, but two amazing, diverse festivals are being held here. The first one is the (2nd) Vamos Latin Festival which starts the 16 days of fun and entertainment.
This is a bi-annual event taking place in Newcastle Gateshead and the environs. It’s a celebration of Latin and Lusophone (Portuguese and Spanish speaking) cultures. The ethos behind the festival is about embracing new cultures and experiences – and surprise!
The second festival (Gateshead Summer Tyne Festival ) kicks off on the 18th July and will be described in a separate article.
I won’t replicate the festivals own web site (you can visit Vamosfestival.com for full details including venues, times, prices etc) but here are a few highlights:
Friday 10th July
The 10 day event kicks of with a Festival Launch party, including Cadencia from Seville, a Nuevo flamenco group; Momenta Quartet – New York based musicians playing chamber music; Electo Flamenco with dance and singing. A night not to be missed.
Saturday 11th July
Free entry to participate in the World’s biggest Salsa Dance!
Need some refreshment after the dancing? Join in the Picnic in the park, be entertained by Portuguese music, watch the dance demonstrations, visit the craft stalls, either take or buy your food at La Vina Restaurant.
In the evening go to the screening of ‘The Spirit of the Andes’ or hear the Classical concert. If you still have the energy maybe you would prefer to join in the street party.
Sunday 12th July
The Mouth of the Tyne Festival is a 2-day spectacular world-class street theatre
See the parade with its’ Lusophone theme, music, dance, drummers and singers, the parade finishes at the Tynemouth Priory for an afternoon of Latin music.
In the evening join in Crusoes Beach Party at Crusoes Café on the sandy beach at Tynemouth with live acoustic music
Other events during the week include;
A literature event with readings about the Spanish civil war
Live Art Jam – with themed live art
An exhibition of art from Cuba and photography
An evening of Cuban food, drinks and cocktails, plus live music
A Brazilian evening
The opera ‘Beyond the Milestone – a powerful and visionary production
Salsa party
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