Procol Harum in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

Pre-Concert Fans' Get-Together: 24 May 2002

This concert is cancelled : read why

Newcastle is famed for its hospitality, especially on a Friday night!

May 24 will be no exception, as Procol Harum hit town to play at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

Arrangements have been made at Tilley’s – a typical Newcastle city centre watering-hole – for a fans' get-together and meeting-point in the hours leading up to the concert. Tilley’s has the undeniable benefit of being located adjacent to the Opera House, on the corner of Westgate Road and Thornton Street. A Victorian-style pub with the full wooden floorboard and furniture effect, it is open from early morning 'til late at night. In best Newcastle tradition, Tilley’s is all about good beer and good crack (which is Geordie for 'hearty social conversation', not an illegal substance!). A lover of good music named Brian has just taken over Tilley’s, and is keen to offer a warm welcome to Procol Harum fans from all over the world.

Newcastle has typical city-centre choice for food before and after the concert, but as we know that May 24 will be a balmy summer’s evening on Tyneside, don’t forget to make time to see Newcastle’s famous Georgian architecture and its six bridges – including the Tyne Bridge, which was the dry-run for the Sydney Harbour bridge, and the recently opened Gateshead Millennium 'Blinking Eye' bridge (a pedestrian-only technological masterpiece). The Quayside and river-front areas attract week-end party goers from all over the UK. It will be a great Friday night – and you can always sleep on the train down to Croydon the next day.

From Rob Barnes on rmbarnes@btopenworld.com working for Procol Harum fans visiting Newcastle.