Social Programme
Welcome Reception - 29th September 2008
The Welcome Reception will start at 6pm in The Turbinia Gallery of the Discovery Museum, on Blandford Square off St James Boulevard.
The Discovery Museum started life in 1934 as the Municipal Museum of Science and Industry and was the first UK science museum outside London. It is now housed within a magnificent late Victorian building built in 1899. It has been completely refurbished and reflects Newcastle's great industrial past and through its many displays visitors can trace the social history of Newcastle.
The Turbinia Gallery contains the original Turbinia ship, once the fastest ship in the world. Turbinia is one of the Discovery Museum's most popular and impressive exhibits. Situated at the heart of the museum she immediately grabs the attention of visitors. Interactive displays and an impressive multi-media wall showing footage relating to this great ship can also be enjoyed.
Turbinia was built in 1894 at the local Charles Parsons shipyard and changed the face of maritime history. It was the first ship to be powered by a steam turbine and, in 1897, was the fastest ship in the world.
Gala Dinner - 1st October 2008
The spectacular Italian Fountain at The Alnwick Garden will form the backdrop for the Gala Dinner. Guests will leave Newcastle at 5pm and travel by bus into Northumberland arriving at Alnwick at 6pm when they will be ale to view Alnwick Castle - the setting for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter movies. Guests will then go through to The Pavilion for welcome drinks and a chance to see a little of the garden around the fountain area before the light fades and the floodlights come on.
The Alnwick Garden catering prides itself in using all locally produce food to a very high standard.
Dancing will complete the evening in a fairy light lit floor against the backdrop of the floodlit fountain.
The venue is limited to 500 capacity for dining and therefore to guarantee your place please ensure you book early.
