Festive reindeer decorations outside Metrocentre's Red Mall in Gateshead, photographed in December 2021. The shopping centre will switch on its 2026 Christmas lights on Sunday 15 November, with Martin Kemp leading the celebrations. Photograph: Trevor Littlewood / Geograph
One of the biggest names in 1980s pop music is heading to Gateshead this November as Metrocentre prepares to welcome thousands of festive shoppers for a special three-day Christmas celebration.
Martin Kemp, the Spandau Ballet star and former EastEnders actor, has been announced as the special guest who will switch on Metrocentre's Christmas lights on Sunday 15 November 2026.
The musician and television personality will also perform a live DJ set featuring retro favourites and festive music before leading the countdown to the big switch-on.
His appearance will bring Metrocentre's Winter Weekender to a close after three days of entertainment featuring live music, a Christmas parade, Santa Claus, character meet-and-greets and a giant snowball pit for children.
The event also forms part of Metrocentre's 40th anniversary celebrations, adding an extra milestone to this year's Christmas festivities.
For families living in Newcastle Great Park, Gosforth, Kingston Park, Wideopen and surrounding communities, the weekend offers an opportunity to enjoy an early taste of Christmas at one of the North East's best-known shopping destinations.
With the festive season gathering pace following the unveiling of Fenwick's Christmas Window, Metrocentre's celebrations promise another major event in the region's Christmas calendar.
Martin Kemp announced as special guest for Christmas lights switch-on
Martin Kemp will take centre stage on Sunday 15 November, when Metrocentre's Christmas lights are officially switched on.
Best known as the bassist in legendary British pop group Spandau Ballet, Kemp enjoyed enormous success during the 1980s with songs including Gold, True and Through the Barricades.
The group's music remains closely associated with the decade, and Kemp has since developed a successful career as an actor, television personality and DJ.
Television viewers will also remember him for his portrayal of Steve Owen in the BBC soap EastEnders.
More recently, his popular Back to the 80s DJ appearances have attracted audiences across the country, combining familiar chart hits with the atmosphere of an eighties-themed party.
That experience will form part of Metrocentre's Christmas celebration.
Kemp is scheduled to perform a live DJ set featuring music from the 1980s alongside seasonal favourites before leading the official countdown to illuminate the shopping centre's Christmas decorations.
The festivities will be hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Anna Foster, who will oversee the switch-on ceremony.
The main Sunday entertainment is advertised as beginning from 3pm.
However, the precise time at which the lights will be switched on has not been separately confirmed in the published programme, so visitors are advised to check for further announcements.
A special event marking Metrocentre's 40th anniversary
The Christmas celebrations arrive during a significant year for Metrocentre.
The shopping complex first opened in 1986 and has become one of the North East's most recognisable retail and leisure destinations.
Over the past four decades, it has welcomed generations of shoppers from Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland, County Durham and beyond.
For many families, visiting Metrocentre in the run-up to Christmas has become an annual tradition.
Its seasonal decorations, shopping facilities, restaurants and entertainment attractions make it a popular destination during November and December.
This year's Winter Weekender provides an additional reason to visit, with three days of organised activities designed to appeal to different age groups.
From live rock music on Friday to a family parade on Saturday and Martin Kemp's Sunday performance, Metrocentre is planning a varied programme to celebrate its anniversary and the beginning of the festive season.
Friday 13 November: American Pie actor Thomas Nicholas to perform live
The Winter Weekender begins on Friday 13 November 2026, with live music taking place in Exhibition Square from 3pm.
The opening event will feature HMV Presents Thomas Nicholas, an alternative rock and pop-punk group fronted by American actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas.
Nicholas is widely recognised for playing Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series, but he has also pursued a music career, performing with his own band.
His appearance at Metrocentre offers fans the opportunity to see a familiar Hollywood actor in a very different setting.
Supporting the band will be two North East musicians, Mitch Laddie and Matt Fairley, who will also perform during the afternoon.
Following the performances, limited poster-signing opportunities are planned at HMV in Lower Blue Mall.
The signings are expected to attract interest from fans of Nicholas's films and music.
Anyone hoping to attend should check the latest arrangements, particularly as the signing opportunities are described as limited.
For those visiting Metrocentre after work or school, Friday afternoon's performances could provide an unusual start to the Christmas celebrations.
Saturday 14 November: Christmas parade with Santa, the Grinch and festive characters
Saturday's programme will focus on family entertainment, with a Christmas parade beginning at 11am.
Metrocentre has confirmed that the parade will feature a variety of familiar festive characters, including:
Santa Claus and his elves.
The Grinch.
Metrocentre's own Metrognomes.
Other festive, fairytale and popular entertainment characters.
The procession will bring Christmas entertainment into the shopping centre, offering children the chance to see some of their favourite characters.
The organisers have also promised opportunities for families to meet characters after the parade.
Costumed performers will remain around the centre for meet-and-greet sessions and photographs.
This means families who cannot position themselves along the parade route may still have opportunities to enjoy some of the entertainment afterwards.
Additional activities will include gameshow-style entertainment on stage, with prizes available during the event.
For parents planning a visit, Saturday is likely to be particularly appealing to younger children.
However, the exact parade route and detailed timing of individual character appearances have not yet been confirmed in the official announcement.
Families should check Metrocentre's website for any updates before travelling.
Giant snowball pit planned for children
Another attraction being introduced for the Winter Weekender is a giant snowball pit in Town Square.
The play area is described as measuring approximately three metres by five metres and is intended to give younger visitors an opportunity to enjoy winter-themed fun.
The attraction is expected to be available throughout the weekend.
For children already excited about Christmas, the snowball pit will add an interactive element to the celebrations.
It will also provide an activity beyond watching performances and meeting characters.
Metrocentre has not published comprehensive information about age restrictions, supervision requirements or individual session arrangements in the main event announcement.
Parents should therefore check any instructions displayed at the attraction and follow guidance from event staff.
Sunday 15 November: Martin Kemp and the big Christmas countdown
Sunday will bring the three-day celebration to its conclusion.
Visitors can expect further appearances from popular animated and film characters before the main entertainment begins.
The Sunday programme is advertised as starting from 3pm, leading towards Martin Kemp's DJ performance and the official Christmas lights switch-on.
His set is expected to feature a mixture of 1980s favourites and festive music.
For fans who remember Spandau Ballet's chart success, it promises a nostalgic afternoon.
For younger visitors, the main attraction may be the moment the decorations are illuminated and the shopping centre's Christmas season officially gets under way.
BBC Radio Newcastle's Anna Foster will host the ceremony.
Metrocentre is encouraging visitors to join the festivities as the shopping centre celebrates its 40th anniversary year.
The exact switch-on time has not yet been published separately from the Sunday afternoon programme.
Visitors hoping to see the countdown should aim to arrive in good time and monitor Metrocentre's official announcements.
Christmas celebrations across Newcastle are gathering pace
Metrocentre's Winter Weekender forms part of a busy programme of Christmas activity across the North East during November.
Newcastle's own annual Christmas lights switch-on is scheduled for Thursday 12 November 2026, three days before Martin Kemp's appearance in Gateshead.
Meanwhile, Fenwick's famous Christmas Window was unveiled on Sunday 1 November.
This year's display celebrates The Gruffalo's Child, the much-loved children's story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The Theatre Royal in Newcastle has also been preparing its Christmas decorations, while the city's festive market programme is expected to attract visitors over the coming weeks.
For families across Great Park, this means there will be several opportunities to enjoy festive events without travelling far beyond Tyneside.
Metrocentre's weekend is particularly notable because it combines a celebrity lights switch-on with three days of different entertainment.
More Christmas activities planned at Metrocentre
The Winter Weekender will not be the end of Metrocentre's seasonal programme.
Additional activities and charity initiatives are planned during November and December.
Cash for Kids Mission Christmas
A giant toy donation box is due to be installed in Exhibition Square from 16 November until 17 December.
The collection will support the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal, which helps provide presents for children who may otherwise go without during the festive season.
Visitors wishing to support the campaign are encouraged to purchase and donate a new, unwrapped gift.
Cash for Kids will then arrange for donated presents to reach children supported through the appeal.
This provides shoppers with an opportunity to contribute to a local charitable cause while visiting the centre.
Marie Curie gift-wrapping station
A Marie Curie gift-wrapping station is also scheduled to return to Upper Town Square from 9 to 24 December.
Visitors will be able to have Christmas presents wrapped in exchange for donations supporting the charity's nursing and end-of-life care services.
The initiative combines a practical Christmas shopping service with fundraising for an important cause.
Metrocentre has also indicated that further retail announcements and festive shopping offers will follow in the weeks ahead.
Metrocentre opening times over the weekend
Metrocentre's published standard opening hours are:
Friday: 9am to 9pm.
Saturday: Normally 9am until the published evening closing time.
Sunday: 11am to 5pm.
Individual shops, restaurants and leisure facilities may have different opening hours.
The centre has also announced extended Saturday trading hours later in November as the Christmas shopping season gathers pace.
Visitors should remember that entertainment schedules do not necessarily match the opening times of individual shops.
Anyone planning to eat, shop or visit a particular attraction alongside the festivities should check the relevant business's hours.
Is the event free and do visitors need tickets?
The main Winter Weekender announcement promotes the Christmas parade, character appearances, snowball pit and lights switch-on as shopping-centre events.
However, the official information reviewed does not specify an admission charge or ticket-booking requirement for the programme as a whole.
Great Park Gazette therefore recommends checking the organiser's event page for any updates rather than assuming that every individual activity, performance or signing opportunity has identical arrangements.
In particular, limited signing opportunities and children's activities may have capacity restrictions.
The official information is available at:
https://themetrocentre.co.uk/whats-on/events/the-winter-weekender
Full Metrocentre Winter Weekender programme at a glance
Friday 13 November 2026
From 3pm – Exhibition Square
HMV Presents Thomas Nicholas, with supporting performances by Mitch Laddie and Matt Fairley.
Limited poster-signing opportunities are planned afterwards at HMV in Lower Blue Mall.
Saturday 14 November 2026
From 11am – Christmas parade
Santa, the Grinch, the Metrognomes and other festive characters take part in the celebrations.
Character meet-and-greets and gameshow entertainment are also planned.
A giant snowball pit will be available in Town Square during the weekend.
Sunday 15 November 2026
From 3pm – Main festive entertainment
Additional character appearances lead towards Martin Kemp's live DJ set and the official Christmas lights switch-on.
BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Anna Foster will host the ceremony.
The exact moment of the lights switch-on has not yet been separately confirmed.
Venue: Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9YG.
Official website: https://themetrocentre.co.uk/
A festive weekend for the whole family
For many North East families, the Metrocentre Christmas lights switch-on is one of the events that marks the beginning of the festive season.
This year, the organisers are hoping to make the occasion particularly memorable by combining the shopping centre's 40th anniversary celebrations with performances, a Christmas parade and a well-known celebrity guest.
Martin Kemp's appearance is likely to appeal to fans of 1980s music, while Saturday's parade and children's attractions offer entertainment for younger visitors.
The programme also provides an opportunity for families to enjoy an afternoon out, take photographs, meet festive characters and perhaps begin their Christmas shopping.
With Newcastle's city-centre celebrations taking place earlier in the week, the Metrocentre event gives Great Park residents another reason to look forward to the busy November Christmas calendar.
The key date for anyone wishing to see Martin Kemp is Sunday 15 November 2026, with entertainment beginning from 3pm.
For those more interested in Santa, the Christmas parade and activities for children, Saturday 14 November may be the better day to visit.
And for music fans, Friday's Thomas Nicholas performance offers a different way to kick off the weekend.
Whatever the reason for attending, visitors should check the official programme before setting off, particularly for the final switch-on time and any changes to the schedule.
Have your say
Are you planning to visit Metrocentre for Martin Kemp's Christmas lights switch-on?
Would you prefer to see the Christmas parade on Saturday, or are you looking forward to the live music on Friday?
Do you have memories of visiting Metrocentre during its early years, as the shopping centre celebrates its 40th anniversary?
Great Park Gazette would love to hear your thoughts and festive memories.
Sources and further information
Metrocentre – Official Winter Weekender programme: https://themetrocentre.co.uk/whats-on/events/the-winter-weekender
Metrocentre – Getting here, parking and transport: https://themetrocentre.co.uk/centre-information/getting-here
Metrocentre – Opening times: https://themetrocentre.co.uk/centre-information/metrocentre-opening-times
Metrocentre – Free parking information: https://themetrocentre.co.uk/centre-information/services-at-metrocentre/free-parking
Newcastle City Council – Christmas 2026 programme: https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2026/newcastles-christmas-set-biggest-year-yet-after-festive-market-success
Editorial note: Programme details were checked against Metrocentre's event announcement published on 4 November 2026. The organiser has confirmed that Sunday's main entertainment begins from 3pm, but a precise switch-on time has not been separately published. Timings, appearances and arrangements may be subject to change.
