THERE’S A LOT to know and love about Newcastle.
It’s tucked up in the very Northern reaches of England, almost nudging Scotland, with notoriously fun and friendly inhabitants, great nightlife, sporting interest and plenty of Brown Ale. But what else do we love from Newcastle?
The Geordie accent
There’s no mistaking a true Geordie accent – and there’s almost nothing as fun as trying it out for yourself.
If you’re going to go to Newcastle and want to give the Geordie accent a try, try out this online translation service first – valuable for teaching indispensable phrases such as “Hoo ye gannin?”, “Ta-ra now, pet” and of course “Whey aye, man”.
Cheryl Cole
The Girls Aloud singer was born and bred beside the Tyne. Indeed, before she found fame and fortune judging the X Factor and with her solo career, Cheryl was actually once voted “Best Looking Girl of Newcastle”. We’d have to agree.
Football
The city of Newcastle has a strong sporting tradition and hosts the world’s most popular half marathon, the Great North Run.
That said, the Geordies are especially fond of football. NUFC are known as The Magpies or the The Toon Army and, of course, for their distinctive stripy strip. And who could forget this inimitable Kevin Keegan rant? You wouldn’t have gotten this with Shearer.
Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec have always been our favourite presenting duo on the telly – right back from SMTV through Pop Idol and I’m A Celebrity to their Saturday Night Takeaway.
And let’s not forget – back when they were PJ and Duncan.
Source: Sue Moore/EMPICS Entertainment
Brewing
Ah, the old Newkie Brown – or just Newcastle Brown Ale, as it’s known to those outside Newcastle. The classic ale is almost always served in a clear glass bottle and known in the North East as “Dog” – alluding to the euphemism of “seeing a man about a dog”.
Music
Jimi Hendrix wasn’t from Newcastle, but he spent a large amount of time in the city during the 1960s, busking in the Heaton. Then there’s also Dire Straits singer Mark Knopfler with an an affinity for the city – as well as Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music being a Newcastle supporter.
Thinking of visiting Newcastle? Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, are opening a brand new Newcastle route. It’s ideal if you want to be a tourist for the day, head over for a match or are just on business. Or even popping over just to try that famous Newcastle ale…
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