ECTEL 2025: Social events

After the workshops, we offer you three exciting options to choose from:

Option 1: Newcastle Highlights Walking Tour

Option 2: Traditional ECTEL Football Game

* Both activities will conclude in time for everyone to attend the Welcome Reception at Newcastle University.

Option 3: Tour of Durham Castle

* for anyone who was not participating in the Newcastle social activities.

Option 1: 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.

Option 2: Traditional ECTEL 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 at Newcastle University

After the outdoor exercises, we invite all the conference participants to join us at the Welcome Reception at 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.

Time: 16 Sep, 7:30PM – 8:30PM

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

After the Welcome Reception, a coach will take you back to Durham, stopping by Newcastle city centre.

Option 3: Tour of Durham Castle

*for anyone who was not participating in the Newcastle social activities.

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 starts at 4:00 pm and 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

After the academic sessions, we offer you two optional special social events to choose from:

• Option 1: Beach Social at Whitley Bay (Newcastle)
• Option 2: Wine, Music and Canapé Reception (Durham)

*Participants will again have the opportunity to choose one of two parallel activities.
Please note that it is not possible to attend both.

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.

North Tyneside: Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay is a charming seaside town located on the northeast coast of England, in the county of Tyne and Wear. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, historic lighthouse at St. Mary’s Island, and vibrant town centre with a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Once a popular Victorian resort, the town retains a classic seaside charm while offering modern attractions such as the iconic Spanish City Dome—a restored Edwardian entertainment venue. It’s a welcoming destination for families, beachgoers, and those interested in coastal walks and rich cultural history.

Wine and Nibbles in Durham

Join us at the Calman Learning Centre (rooms Christopherson CLC406 and Kingsley Barrett CLC407, “Calman top”) for an informal evening of drinks and light refreshments. With its great views of Durham Cathedral, this relaxed social gathering offers a chance to network and unwind after the day’s sessions.

• Time: Wednesday 17 September, 17:30

• Location: Calman Learning Centre – top floor

• Fees: Included in registration (no extra charge)

• Capacity: Open to all conference participants

The same rooms will also host the Poster and Demo sessions earlier in the programme, so this will be a familiar space.

Additional: Durham Ghost tour 

*available on the 17^th, after the Wine and Nibbles in Durham

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.

Conference Dinner with Award Ceremony
18:00 – 21:00 @ HAT Main Dining Hall – Function Room

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!

Additional: Castle Tour – Durham University (£5 only)

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