All the ‘need-to-know before you go’ information can be found here below.
We’ve covered how to get here, where to stay, what to eat and accessibility to the site plus a whole load more.
If there’s something we haven’t covered, then please drop us an email at innovationfestival@nwl.co.uk and we’ll try to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
The Innovation Festival will be held at Newcastle Racecourse, situated on the beautiful estate of High Gosforth Park, Newcastle.
The festival site is a large area, approximately 840,000ft2 / 81,400m2, combining activities which are outdoor, in covered marquees and indoor spaces within the building.
The grounds are made up of solid paved areas, gravel tracks, grass and a softer material known as Tapeta on the racetrack itself. For more information on accessibility please refer to the section below.
Please note: Newcastle Racecourse is a cashless site.
We’ve included a full range of options on how to get to the Festival.
We advise giving yourself plenty of time and please, please try to be mindful of your environmental impact wherever possible. Lift share, swap to public transport, walk or cycle if you can! Every little helps to lighten the load on our roads and reduce our emissions. Our planet will thank you too!
Please note: NWG cannot accept any responsibility for transport arrangements.
We understand it’s not always possible but we'd love it if you came on foot or by bicycle. The road to the racecourse is paved, lined by trees - what better way to start your day. We also have a dedicated space to leave bicycles if you choose to cycle - please remember to bring your bike lock!
Use postcode: NE3 5HP or ///wink.years.fence (what3words)
Follow the brown and white tourist board signs bearing a horse and rider from the A1, A19 and main approach roads to Newcastle. For traffic updates in the nearby area, please click here.
Remember, two’s company and three’s a great crowd when travelling! You can save money on fuel, reduce your carbon footprint and have some company along for the ride if you choose to lift share. If you’re not sure who else is going your way, you can always check out national Liftshare network.
We have four EV fast charging points at the Racecourse which are located next to the accessible parking. You must obtain an EV pass which allows you to charge your car for up to two hours. Passes can be retrieved from the information point. Speak to one of the crew!
Numbers 43 and 44 buses leave from Haymarket Bus Station in Newcastle City Centre every few minutes and arrive at a stop just outside the racecourse road entrance.
You can find out more about bus travel from other areas here.
LA Taxis are a local taxi firm available for any taxi bookings. We strongly advise you to book in advance for your drop off and pick up. Contact 0191 287 7777 to book or head to their website to find out more information www.lataxis.co.uk. A taxi from Newcastle City Centre / Newcastle Central Station to the racecourse should cost approximately £10. Uber also cover the racecourse.
Newcastle Central Station is the closest main line station approximately 15 minutes away by car or taxi. You can check train timetables and plan your journey via:
National Rail Enquiries website or by calling 08457 48 49 50.
Tyne and Wear Metro is a light rail system with 60 stations serving Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside. Regent Centre and Four Lane Ends Metro Stations are situated 2 miles from the racecourse.
Newcastle International Airport is situated 6 miles from the racecourse and is easily accessible.
Taxi: the airport's official taxi service is Arrow Taxis. Book your journey quickly and easily, online, by phone on 0191 244 9966 or via email on newcastlebookings@arrowcars.co.uk.
Hire car: there are branches of car hire firms Europcar and Hertz at the airport.
There is ample free parking at Newcastle Racecourse.
The car park is a few minutes’ walk to the festival entrance. Car parking attendants will be on duty to help direct you as well as signage to the car parks and main festival entrance.
Accessible parking for blue badge holders is available at the Innovation Festival Entrance. Please display your Blue Badge clearly if you have one. If you are not a Blue Badge holder but require certain access needs, please speak to a car park attendant on arrival.
We have four EV fast charging points at the Racecourse which are located next to the accessible parking. You must obtain an EV pass which allows you to charge your car for up to two hours. Passes can be retrieved from the information point. Speak to one of the crew!
Grand Hotel Gosforth Park
The closest hotel to the NWG Innovation Festival is Grand at Gosforth Park
The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Innovation Festival site at Newcastle Racecourse and 7 miles from Newcastle Airport.
Amenities at the hotel include a spa, fitness centre with indoor pool and sauna, plus squash and tennis courts. There's a restaurant onsite with international menu and a bar which serves lighter bites.
The hotel operates a cashless system.
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making equipment.
Check in is from 4pm and check out is 10am.
Free parking and accessible facilities and rooms throughout.
Discounted rates on a number of rooms have been held for Innovation Festival guests at the Grand Hotel at £92 per room, per night single occupancy accommodation or £102.00 per room, per night - twin /double accommodation for stays between Monday 6 - Thursday 9 July.
For stays on Sunday 5 and Friday 10 July there is a discounted rate of £82 per room, per night single occupancy accommodation or £92 per room, per night - twin / double accommodation.
All rates include accommodation, full English breakfast, use of the leisure facilities, guest room wi-fi and VAT at 20%.
Booking to take advantage of NWGs preferred rates, check availability and for more information about accessible rooms please contact the hotel directly:
Karen Stephenson
E: groups760@theelitevenueselection.co.uk
M: 0191 236 1612
Please note when contacting the hotel that you need to state you are attending the Innovation Festival in the subject of your e-mail.
We recommend booking your accommodation early to secure your room. Rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Cancellation charges may be applied so please ensure that you give a minimum of 24 hours notice to the hotel if you need to cancel a booking.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
There are other local hotels within a short travelling distance in the Gosforth Park area . . .
Registration closes on Sunday, 28 June.
Please make sure you have completed your registration before then - we cannot accept walk ups onsite. Onsite check in opens from 12:00 on Monday, 6 July and then from 08:15 on Tuesday, 7 - Thursday 9 July.
First day Check-in – badge printing
On the first day you arrive to site, you will need to print your badge at the app kiosk which is located within the main entrance. At the iPad, simply search your name or scan your QR code which can be found on your registration email or on the event app which you can downloaded in advance! Be careful to check you’re registering your name and not someone similar – if there’s more than one option, ask a colleague at the desk to help.
Once you have your badge printed, you can collect a protective plastic wallet (reducing the need for reprinting badges) and a lanyard (which we’re reusing from last year) and scan in with one of our colleagues to tell us you’re onsite. We have many scan in points onsite to gather metrics for catering, attendance etc. so don’t worry if we ask you to scan in more than once!
We advise you allow plenty of time for initial check in as queues can be long, especially at peak times.
FAST TRACK: There is an opportunity to fast track the queue by printing your badge at home. Check your inbox for details of this. You can still collect a protective plastic wallet and lanyard on the day before you scan in with one of our colleagues.
Returning to site - got your badge already?
If you are returning to site having collected your badge on a previous day or have printed your badge from home, you can skip the app kiosk badge printing step and head straight to our colleagues to scan in and tell us you’re here. You can still collect a protective plastic wallet and lanyard if you’ve printed your badge at home.
We still advise leaving 15 minutes for the scanning in process, especially at peak times (8.15am-9am).
Reusing again by the power of 10
Last year we made the decision to switch to an event app with personalised QR code and whilst having a printed badge may have felt like a step backwards to some, there was good reasoning for doing this . . .
- It reduced the badge options to one consistent badge for all (we had three different badges at one point before we made the switch)
- It gives easy access to your personalised QR code (which we also email you at the point of registering, and include on the event app)
- It gives us clear visibility of festival goers from a security perspective
- The paper badge can be fully recycled onsite or at home
- The plastic protective wallets have been and will be reused year on year
- The eco lanyard has not only been made from recyclable materials, this too has been and will be reused year on year
- It gives us clear metrics in an instant which we can use and share to make improvements and adjust plans in real time
So - please remember to hand your badges to our IF Crew before you leave site for good so we can keep our reuse and recycle promise . . . again, and again, and again!
Make sure you download the event app before coming on site.
We’ll be releasing the app two weeks before the festival so you’ll have loads of time to get familiar with it AND you can speed up your check in process if you have your QR code handy on arrival on the first day.
The app will contain the most up-to-date, need to know information like personalised agendas and QR codes, full site maps, news feed plus lots more.
Here are some top reasons why you need to download it:
Programme: on the agenda tab, you will find your own personalised agenda for the duration of your time onsite with us including when the morning openings are, lunch, evening events. You can also add meetings and appointments too across the week. You will also find your own sprint message board which you can use to communicate with your own sprint team members.
Networking: Your personalised QR code acts like your virtual business card. Scanning a QR code allows you to add them as a contact and share contact details via the app. All of which can be saved and exported post event in a handy spreadsheet!
Token free: no more tokens for lunch and sweet treats this year! Simply scan your personalised QR code with our crew at any station to redeem one free lunch and one sweet treat per day. Networking drinks will now be a bottle bar (bottles of beer and soft drinks), on a first come, first served basis. There is always the option to pay for a drink behind the bar which will also be open during networking events and have a full range of wines, spirits and soft drinks available.
So be sure to download the event app. Download details will be sent to all registered participants.
Casual. Festival vibes only, no suits allowed!
The event is held in a tented village with lots of time outdoors. So don’t forget to pack your suncream, sunglasses, wellies, woolly hat, thermals and umbrella so you are prepared for all weathers . . . it is the North East after all!
Neon Day
In the spirit of embracing our Power of 10 theme, Wednesday is our Neon Day. Ten is the atomic number for neon so it seemed only fitting to honour it in neon leg warmers, neon bucket hats and bringing ALL of the neon fabulousness on Wednesday. Our resident face painter Vicky will also be providing neon glow ups!
The Innovation Festival is free to attend, so we ask that you please pass on the gift of kindness to our local community and partner charities when you are with us.
Here’s how you can show your support . . .
Our WaterAid Team are on site at the festival. You can find out more about the fantastic work they do to help ensure that everyone everywhere has access to clean water and make a donation to support them in achieving this goal. The WaterAid stand can be found in the exhibition hall.
Local Providers
We have a few local providers on site offering tasty products. Be sure to show them your support – card payments accepted at each stand.
Eco Coffee Cart: Amanda and Dave are back, this year with three coffee carts, serving the most delicious ethical coffee, 100% organic Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certified. And if that doesn’t entice you, they also offer a selection of teas, hot chocolate, milkshakes, soft drinks and snacks.
Newcastle Beekeeping Association: Our local beekeepers are making a return this year with jars of pure local liquid gold for sale! Various pots of local honey and honeycomb can be purchased from them as well as free advice and guidance on how to make your garden or terrace a bee haven!
Dr Juice: Founded by Ranjeet Singh, a Newcastle University PhD researcher who is currently in his final year completing a PhD in Cancer Biomarkers and Immunotherapy. Ranjeet turned his passion for health and nutrition into a fast-growing juice business. Along with his brother Rajaa they set up Dr Juice which specialises in 100% natural, cold pressed raw fruit and vegetable juices with no added sugar, designed for modern, fast paced lifestyles and built around sustainability and accessibility. Pop by for a peppy pick me up!
Complimentary food and drink is provided for NWG Innovation Festival goers across the week as well as additional drink and snack options at your own cost.
Please make sure you eat a healthy and hearty breakfast before heading to the festival as there will be no provisions for breakfast onsite.
Power of 10 Food Den
Head Chef Alan is back and has designed a menu fitting with our power of 10 theme! That’s right, ten of your festival faves are back, celebrating ten wonderful years of the Innovation Festival. We hope you enjoy some nostalgic and tasty throwbacks.
Whilst our menu might be looking back we’re making sure we take the good things forward. Ensuring our food is full of flavour is something we take very seriously – and we don’t think this should come at the cost of our planet or local community. Chef Alan has yet again ensured we shop local and independently wherever possible. Our food is freshly made each day allowing us to reduce any food waste by using all parts of the product – stems, stalks, peel, bones – to produce soups and stock as well as using food items across all our lunch and dinner menus whether its soups, stews or curries. We’ve reduced our red meat options and made swaps to vegan alternatives and we’re continuing to reduce our food miles by choosing suppliers within 100 miles of the festival site. Ok, we’ve got one who’s 111 miles away but her strawberries are just too darn tasty not to travel those 11 extra miles for! Check out a list of our suppliers here.
Allergen Information
We’ve tried to ensure all our menus cater for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets. And although our festival menus are designed to be nut free, the kitchens onsite are not nut free facilities.
All allergy information for our lunch and dinner menus can be found by scanning the QR code at each catering location or by asking a member of catering staff.
Crock and roll . . .
There are a LOT of us onsite at the festival. And much as we’d love to swap to using crockery and cutlery for everyone, this is not practical or possible at our current size and scale. That said, we can promise that our packaging is sustainable and compostable where possible. AND for our evening events and smaller private functions, we‘re sticking with crockery and cutlery this year.
Cadge a cup
We ask every year for you to bring your own reusable cups and water bottles. And many of you do. Thank you for this. We’re teaming up with Circular & Co again this year to hire their reusable cups. So if you get onsite and realise you’ve forgotten your own cup – we’ve got you covered. Ask a member of our crew at registration, or visit the exhibition hall to ‘cadge a cup’ from us. The cups are not for keeps though. So please hand it back when you’re done with it so it can be put to good use at another event in future.
Last year we found many of these cups in the bin which made us all very sad. These cups are REUSABLE and also hired for this event. We need to hand them back at the end of our event so PLEASE DO NOT BIN THEM. When you’re finished with the cup, hand it back or leave it behind and our festival crew will collect them and wash them.
Lunch menu
Lunch will be available Monday to Thursday in the exhibition hall and Power of 10 Food Den (located outside the exhibition hall). There are two time slots which will be allocated to sprint groups in advance. Either 12:00 - 12:45 and 12:45-13:30. It is important to stick to your allocated time slot in order to reduce queuing.
Check the app for our daily menus!
And remember – no more lunch tokens! Simply scan your personalised QR code on your badge or on the app with our crew at any station to redeem your complimentary lunch each day!
Drinks
Complimentary tea, coffee, and water will be available throughout the week, Monday, 6 July – Thursday, 9 July in the Exhibition Hall from 08:15-16:00.
There will be opportunity to buy speciality coffee and soft drinks from the coffee carts on site. Please remember to bring your own reusable coffee cup!
There are water points available around the site to refill your bottles. Please remember to bring your own reusable water bottle!
Sweet treats
We have a delicious selection of sweet treats available from Tuesday – Thursday, between 12:00-16:00. Check the app for locations of where to find them. We have:
- Annabel’s Deliciously British strawberries and cream
- Homemade vanilla ice cream & toppings
- Mini pancakes & toppings
- Pick n Mix
NOTE: Only one complimentary treat per day. Scan your QR code for your free daily treat. Additional treats can be purchased at your own expense.
There will be a selection of fresh fruit available from Monday to Thursday until 16:00 in the Funderdome and Exhibition Hall for those peckish peeps who need a little healthy treat in between.
Complimentary food will be provided if you have registered to join us at any of our evening events. We also welcome you to join us for our drinks receptions which are open to all. A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available to buy from the bar at our evening events in addition to our complimentary drinks offering.
Tuesday, 7 July
What: Networking Drinks
Where: Exhibition Hall, located on the ground floor of the Grandstand
When: 17:00 - 19:00
Who: Open to all
We welcome you to the official IF26 Networking Drinks Reception. Take the opportunity to meet new faces, catch up with familiar friends and visit our exhibition partners. This is a great way to unwind after a full day of sprinting!
What: Women in STEM: A Question of Support
Where: Funderdome
When: 17:30 - 20:30
Who: By invite only!
Our WiSTEM team have a fun evening in store. Think entertaining quiz‑show where allyship takes centre stage and everyone gets to join the team, cheer each other on, and enjoy some sports‑themed food, drinks, and fun. What’s not to love!
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Wednesday, 8 July
What: Networking Drinks & Water Aid Fun
Where: Exhibition Hall, located on the ground floor of the Grandstand
When: 17:00 - 18:30
Who: Open to all
Come and raise a glass - and much needed funds - with our good friends at WaterAid. Fun and games provided, good times guaranteed!
What: Neon Day: After Dark Celebration
Where: Funderdome
When: 18:30 - 22:00
Who: Pre registered guests only. Spaces limited!
Join us for a night of fun and celebration. Bowl food, live music and a whole lotta laughs.
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Thursday, 9 July
What: Festival Unwind
Where: Beach area
When: 17:00 - 21:00
Who: Open to all
Come and join us to take stock of the week, relax and gather together for our Festival Unwind celebration.
Last year our theme was REGENERATION and we made a huge commitment to take bold action to make positive change which we want to ensure is not one off.
Our solar-powered coffee carts are returning this year as well as solar-powered outdoor LED wall. We’re also bringing back GeoPura’s hydrogen generators which were a huge success from last year. We are proud to say that we are able to fuel all of our outdoor power throughout the site from our sprint tents, catering and outdoor exhibitors, EV charging points through sustainable fuel again. No more diesel generators. We're fully committed to a future that gives back more than it takes.
Our site is a true showcase of reuse and recycle in action. We’re proudly reusing everything we can from our Innovation Festival flags that line the driveway (for the fifth year) the Young Citizens signage, directional paddles to our temporary tattoos, lanyards and plastic wallets (which are coming out again for the sixth time). Even the glitter has gone green – as we ensure the lovely Vicky provides an environmentally friendly and biodegradable sparkling alternative.
The festival is going cup-free too - no disposables at our coffee carts or exhibition hall. Don’t worry if you forget your cup, just ‘cadge a cup’ and return it when you leave. And if you’re a garden lover, grab some used coffee grounds from Amanda and Dave at the Eco Coffee Carts to boost your soil or compost at home.
At Innovation Festival HQ, it isn’t just about what’s new - it’s also about doing better with what we already have and making the right choices for our communities and planet.
The Innovation Festival is situated at Newcastle Racecourse.
The site consists of marquee villages and main building activities. The terrain is a mixture of tarmac pathed areas, grass and a softer material known as Tapeta when crossing the racetrack itself.
The Marquee Village surface is artificial grass on a tarmac base. Each of the tents in the Marquee village are accessible through double doors with a small ramp. The main stage for the event has ramp access and there are tarmac paths throughout the site.
The festival stretches out across an expansive site with 5-10 minute walks required between activities.
There is a lift within the main buildings and all rooms on all floors have flat access. You can see the location of all accessible facilities on the accessibility map below.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking for blue badge holders is available at the Innovation Festival Entrance. Please display your Blue Badge clearly if you have one. If you are not a Blue Badge holder but require certain access needs, please speak to a car park attendant on arrival. We have a golf buggy available for those who require extra assistance.
If you have any questions about accessible parking and access issues, please contact the Innovation Festival team at innovationfestival@nwl.co.uk who will be happy to help and support.
Drop-off point
Drop off is available at the main Innovation Festival entrance.
Accessible toilets
Accessible facilities are available near the Innovation Festival entrance and there are accessible facilities available within the Racecourse building and under the Colonel Porters Stand. A radar key is required to access the facilities underneath the stand and can be requested from our information point.
The location of the accessible facilities, lifts and ramps can be seen on the accessibility map above.
Wheelchairs
NWG’ s Innovation Festival welcomes all types of mobility vehicles. Please provide your contact details in the site access requirements section on the registration form and one of our dedicated Innovation Festival team members will contact you to confidentially discuss how we can support you at the Innovation Festival. Alternatively, you can contact the team at innovationfestival@nwl.co.uk
Visual impairments
If you have visual impairment requirements please provide your contact details in the site access requirements section on the registration form and one of our dedicated Innovation Festival team members will contact you to confidentially discuss how we can support you at the Innovation Festival. Alternatively, you can contact the team at innovationfestival@nwl.co.uk
Assistance dogs at NWG’s Innovation Festival
Assistance dogs are welcome at NWG’ s Innovation Festival. Please let us know in advance at innovationfestival@nwl.co.uk if you are bringing an assistance dog to the event.
Please note: We are unable to accommodate any other animals at this event.
Hearing impairments
There is a hearing loop facility available across the site.
Website
Our website uses Recite Me accessibility software for those with disabilities, learning difficulties, visual impairments, or if people speak English as a second language.
Quiet room
There is a quiet room available in the main building for anyone who needs time out during their visit. It will have seating as well as soft sensory mood lighting.
Please note that this space is NOT to be used for any other purpose than a quiet room. Thank you.
Prayer room
There is dedicated prayer room facilities to accommodate the spiritual needs of our attendees. The prayer room is inclusive and accessible to individuals of all faiths.
Information Point and IF Crew Support
We have a superb volunteer crew at the festival who are based at the information point and around the entire site. Just look out for the blue crew t-shirts! Our festival crew are available to assist you throughout the entire event for whatever you need. Please ask a member of staff in a blue t-shirt or pop in to the Information Point.
We have a qualified first aid team onsite who patrol the grounds regularly and are on hand for any medical assistance. Please speak to a member of staff or your sprint lead if you or anyone you know is in any need of medical.
Pets
We are unable to accommodate any pets at this event.
Assistance dogs are welcome at NWG’ s Innovation Festival. Please let us know in advance at innovationfestival@nwl.co.uk if you are bringing an assistance dog to the event.
Under 18s
Everyone is welcome to come and get involved in the Innovation Festival.
If you are aged between 14-16 years old you may wish to join our Young Citizens Work Experience Festival (link) held in conjunction with our main Innovation Festival. This is a two day event running on Monday-Tuesday and Wednesday-Thursday. If you, your school or college is interested in finding out more, please contact a member of our team youngcitizensfestival@nwl.co.uk
If you are aged between 16-18 years old, then you can register to take part in the main festival and attend one of our sprints. Individuals must have an accompanying adult attend the event with them for the duration of the visit. We will contact any registered under 18s prior to coming onsite to complete the relevant work experience and photo consent forms.
Any other questions?
Please contact us innovationfestival@nwl.co.uk if you require any further information on the event. We’re always happy to help!