Newcastle is set to get its own Freight Island, a venue inspired by the Manchester location, combining food, music and entertainment in one space.
Freight Island mixes food vendors, cool bars, art, family events, and music, and they host regular festivals. The Manchester spot transformed a forgotten area and quickly became the hottest place around.
Newcastle is getting its own Freight Island soon, as the team plans to transform the old Debenhams into a lively £16 million venue on Eldon Square’s top floor. A new rooftop space is also planned.
They want it to be world-class entertainment, reminiscent of Coney Island with its famous amusements, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens pleasure park, and Los Angeles’ Grand Central Market, known for diverse food since 1917.
Manchester’s Freight Island changed unused land when they opened Escape to Freight Island in 2020. It turned a railway depot into a beer garden and food hall, creating a massive outdoor space.
They hold lots of diverse and fun events there often, showing sports like Six Nations games and hosting quizzes and New Year’s Eve shows. They feature Bingo Lingo, reggae feasts, and American buffets every Sunday.
Escape to Freight Island earned great praise, ranking among England’s best beer gardens. Experts loved its music, cocktails, and diverse food vendors, making it feel like the Balearic Islands.
Dan Morris, co-founder, is excited and says Newcastle is a perfect fit. Freight Island can help the city grow by supporting local artists and bringing food, music, and fun.
