The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead hosts conferences, conventions, award ceremonies and brand launches, with a 1,640-seat auditorium for the largest gatherings and a 330-seat hall for smaller ones. The building has a glass-domed form, a high-ceilinged concourse and a view across the River Tyne to the Newcastle skyline. It is run by a registered charity, North Music Trust.
Seminars and company events
The events team describes its work as award ceremonies, brand launches and international medical conventions. It offers flexible spaces, seasoned event planners and technical support for sound and lighting. The venue holds BEAM and AIM certifications, which relate to safety, accessibility and sustainability. As an independent venue, it says it adapts the setup to the client's plans. A conferences and events brochure is available on request, and the team can be reached on 0191 443 4657 or through the enquiry form on the website.
Rooms and capacities
The largest space is the main auditorium, which seats up to 1,640 people. The smaller stage hall seats 330. Breakout rooms can hold up to 330 delegates, which allows a plenary session and parallel workshops under one roof. An exhibition space of 1,800 m² is listed for trade shows and product displays, and there are flat-floored function rooms as well as a wide concourse used for exhibitions, dinners and parties. Capacities by layout, such as banquet or theatre, are not on the page, so ask for the brochure and a floor plan for the format you have in mind.
Accommodation
There are no bedrooms on site. The venue refers organisers to hotels nearby, which can be chosen to match the budget of different delegates. Ask the events team for suggestions if your programme includes an overnight stay for a large group.
Catering
Catering is built into the venue. Food and drink are served across the concourse, and the building has three bars, a café and a restaurant, all with a view. The team offers creative and sustainable catering options, and your requirements and timing are collected through the enquiry form. Menus are not published online.
History and setting
The Glasshouse stands at St Mary's Square on Gateshead Quays. It is the home of Royal Northern Sinfonia and of a music learning programme for adults, young people and families. As a charity, the venue states that income from events supports its music work, which is a point some organisers use in their sustainability reporting.
Getting there
The address is St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2JR. The site states that London is less than three hours away by train, and Newcastle International Airport handles flights. The venue has 270 parking spaces on site, including 36 accessible bays, and a loading bay with easy access for equipment and exhibition stands. A journey planning page on the website lists the other routes.
