2800+ join the party
May 20, 2014
Creative Space Management welcomed over 2800 visitors to Toffee Factory last weekend at their ‘Swing for Toffee’ event. Celebrating all things vintage, the evenings were programmed for The Late Shows, Newcastle and Gateshead’s free cultural crawl held after hours in over 50 venues. Toffee Factory has always proved a popular destination but visitor numbers this year far exceeded all expectations.
Ian Watson, Director, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said:
‘The Late Shows, co-ordinated by Tyne &Wear Archives & Museums is one of the great events of the North East’s cultural calendar. Toffee Factory’s ‘Swing for Toffee’ was so good that after visiting on Friday I had to go back again on Saturday. From vintage clothes to radiogram reminiscences to scrumpy and live jive it was a great event. Maybe next year I’ll get on the dance floor!’
Crowds hit the outdoor dance floor alongside Swung Eight, Newcastle’s original juke joint and speakeasy who were on hand to teach Charleston, Lindy Hop and more. Visitors perused vintage stalls, ate food from a bygone age while sipping deftly mixed cocktails.
Fiona Birkbeck, Director, Multiminded, based at Toffee Factory, said:
‘There’s always such a buzz about the Late Shows so I’m thrilled that Toffee Factory went to town creating such a wonderful event. When I saw the huge black and white dance floor being erected in the court yard I knew this was going to be something special. Not only are events like this great fun for our friends and family but they really engage the community and give us a brilliant opportunity to invite clients along. And as an added bonus we all now know how to Charleston!’
The evenings were full of surprises including gentlemen on hand with shoe shine and Newcastle College students at the ready with free vintage makeovers.
Iain Kerr, Director, Trapeze Creative, based at Toffee Factory, said:
“The transformation of Toffee Factory was very clever. It was a great use of the space, both indoors and out; a wonderful theme, the courtyard transformed with a dance floor, canopy and lighting, plus the combination of terrific music, food and vintage stalls, it created a wonderful atmosphere. It was the highlight of a fantastic Late Shows.”
You can view images from the evening here, you may even spot yourself.
“Thanks to all the staff for helpfulness, we knew we could be confident about all the arrangements and a warm welcome for our guests.”
Ouseburn Trust
