ECTEL 2025: Social events

On the evening of September 16th, we’re thrilled to offer you three exciting options:

1. Go behind the scenes at James’ Park Stadium
2. Discover the city on our Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour
3. Or play the beautiful game in a friendly football match

Wrap up the night at our Welcome Reception – drinks, bites, and mingling at Newcastle University’s historic main campus.

Activity 1: St. James’ Park Stadium Tour

Time: 16 Sep, 6:00PM – 7:00PM

Intro: Stadium tours offer a glimpse into the rich history of our iconic stadium, Newcastle United’s home since 1892. The fantastic tour will give you a deeper understanding of the club and its proud heritage. This tour includes all the key parts of the ground: Level 7, Players’ Entrance, Dressing Rooms, Media Suite, and Pitch Side.

Activity 2: Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

Time: 16 Sep, 6:00PM – 7:30PM

Intro: From the ancient remains of the Romans to the city’s industrial revolution and its modern renaissance, you’ll journey through centuries of history, discovering how Newcastle evolved into a hub of innovation, creativity, and culture. Admire awe-inspiring architecture, from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary designs, and hear intriguing tales of the people and events that shaped the city.

Activity 3: Football Game

Time: 16 Sep, 6:00PM – 7:30PM

Location: All Weather Pitch, Tankerville Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 3BA

Intro: Kick off with conference participants at our friendly football match—a perfect chance to unwind, network, and enjoy the game in a relaxed setting.

Note: The venue requires flat-soled shoes only (no cleats) to protect the pitch.

Welcome Reception

Time: 16 Sep, 7:30PM – 8:30PM

Location: The Courtyard, Old Library Building, Queen Victoria Rd, NE1 7RU

Intro: All conference participants are cordially invited to the Welcome Reception from 7:30PM to 8:30PM at The Courtyard, Newcastle University’s historic main campus. This collegial gathering will provide an excellent opportunity for scholarly exchange in an informal atmosphere, accompanied by light refreshments.

Highlights of the Evening

The Angel of the North

Antony Gormley’s monumental steel sculpture has stood watch over Gateshead since 1998, becoming an enduring symbol of the North East. Towering 20 metres tall with wings spanning 54 metres, the Angel reflects the region’s industrial past while embodying hope and transformation. Designed to withstand winds of up to 100mph, this iconic landmark attracts over 150,000 visitors each year and offers a striking meditation on humanity’s place in the landscape.

South Shields: A Coastal Gem

Nestled at the mouth of the River Tyne, this historic seaside town blends rich heritage with stunning natural beauty. Walk along sandy beaches, explore the reconstructed Roman fort of Arbeia, or enjoy fresh seafood from Colman’s, a local institution since 1926. For breathtaking views, take a short stroll to Marsden Rock, where dramatic cliffs meet the North Sea.

Photos are from https://www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk

Castle Tour – Durham University

Durham Castle is a working and living heritage site, as well as home to University College, and as such, access for visitors to this rich historical site is through guided tours. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through the Gatehouse and into the heart of the historic building. Here, you will experience history and tales from the last 1000 years. 

The tour takes you through several iconic places, including:

• Gatehouse and Courtyard
• Norman Chapel 
• Tunstall Chapel and Tunstall Gallery 
• Black Stairs
• Great Hall

More information available here

Hatfield College – Conference Dinner and Dancing Workshop

Hatfield College is a vibrant and welcoming community to which each and every student belongs alongside other College members, reflecting our ethos and recent joint declaration. We combine a thoroughly contemporary outlook with pride in our historical roots and traditions, gaining strength from our long-established community whilst constantly evolving to meet new challenges.

Established in 1846, as the second college of Durham University, with the explicit purpose of being open to a wide range of students, we greatly value the rich diversity of our College members who come from all sorts of backgrounds and places of origin, with all sorts of interests, experiences and views.

At the conference dinner, we will be joined by Professor Ann MacLarnon, Master of Hatfield College, who will tell us more about the history and traditions of the College.

Additionally, there will be a Cèilidh – a traditional Scottish and Irish social gathering. This will involve dancing and playing Gaelic folk music at a social hall or other community gathering place. So, get your dancing shoes on!

Durham Ghost tour

If you are interested in paranormal and Ghosts, and also like a stroll around Durham City, then you have came to the right place. As you walk around Durham, you will hear some of the ghostly tales the city has to offer. Do you dare to join this tour for an evening walk around Durham and hear tales of the darker past and of the ghosts that are said to haunt County Durham?!

Unlike other ghost tours, this tour does not employ actors to dress up in costumes to jump out and scare you. The paranormal experiences are real and you can get to use state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment. More information available here.