Oxford and Cambridge may have the UK’s most famous university boat race, but Newcastle has its own North East version with a day of rowing races on the Tyne with fierce competition between local University rivals, Newcastle and Durham. Called the Boat Race of the North and sponsored by Siemens, the event is to be held on Saturday 17 March.

Newcastle’s Chinese Arch, which marks the start of Chinatown and takes pride of place at the entrance to Stowell Street has undergone a make over thanks to a collaboration between the Chinese community, NE1 Ltd, the Business Improvement District Company for Newcastle city centre and Newcastle City Council.

Cash for Kids and NE1’s Geordie Jackpot are currently looking for local groups in need of funding. Do you help local disadvantaged children and need investment to carry out your work in the community?

January’s NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week held between the 15-21st January delivered a £1/2 million boost to business for the 100 plus restaurants that took part. Results from participating restaurants showed an 11% year on year increase in trade during the week making this January’s NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week the most successful to date.