- Christmas
- 21st Nov 2025
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Festivities at The Biscuit Factory: Christmas workshops, winter exhibitions and festive afternoon tea
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Winter is all about slowing down and The Biscuit Factory has the ultimate itinerary to get you into the festive spirit.
From winter exhibitions that inspire to workshops for Christmas crafts and festive food that warms you from the inside out.
Whether you’re shopping for a meaningful gift or just looking for a place to pause during the Christmas chaos, this creative hub in the heart of Newcastle is the perfect winter retreat.
A SEASON OF INSPIRATION: WINTER EXHIBITIONS
Michael Disley: Quarry
Friday 14th November – Saturday 28th February
This is a major exhibition showcasing over 40 years of the artist’s practice. Disley, stonemason, sculptor, painter and draftsman, has built a career exploring the deep connection between human hands and ancient stone. His works range from whimsical carved characters to formally structured trees and bold, graphic paintings.
Together, they speak to a lifetime of craftsmanship and a relentless search for meaning in materials that outdate humanity itself. “Just start carving,” he says. “Everything else will fall into place.” And in Quarry, it certainly has.
Michael Disley will be discussing his artistic practice at a free talk on Sunday 30th November as part of Ouseburn Open Studios.
Beatrice Forshall
Saturday 29th November – Saturday 28th February
Running alongside Disley’s exhibition is a beautiful collection by Beatrice Forshall, whose delicate dry-point engravings celebrate the natural world and the urgency of conservation. Her prints, each produced through a meticulous hand-finished process, capture the fragility and elegance of wildlife with striking sensitivity.
Forshall is also a critically acclaimed author – her book The Vanishing Species earned praise from conservationists and artists alike. Together, these exhibitions bring warmth, depth and reflection to the winter months.
Gingerbread Street
Wednesday 3rd December – Sunday 4th January
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS WORKSHOPS
If winter is the season of making, The Biscuit Factory is its cosy creative home. This year’s line-up of artist-led Christmas workshops invites you to slow down, settle in and try something delightfully hands-on – from luxe gift wrapping and winter floral textile art to mindful paper-star crafting and eucalyptus wreath-making.
You can even design your own calligraphy garland or create gel-printed Christmas cards that sparkle with foil accents. Whether you’re after a new skill or a handmade gift with heart, there’s a festive workshop for every maker. Plus, enjoy 10% off at Factory Kitchen after your session.
FESTIVE FLAVOURS AT THE FACTORY KITCHEN
Winter wouldn’t be winter without a little indulgence, and The Factory Kitchen delivers it with heart.
Festive Afternoon Tea
Friday 21st November – Wednesday 31st December
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Factory Kitchen is a must. Serving seasonal sandwiches, sweet treats and warming flavours that feel wonderfully nostalgic.
Christmas Eve Brunch
Served Wednesday 24th December from 10am to 2pm
Looking for a new Christmas Eve tradition? We’ve found it – a Christmas Eve Brunch at The Factory Kitchen. a calm, cosy moment before the big day. This two-course brunch is the perfect way to ease into the celebrations. Enjoy a nourishing plate with family or friends, then wander the gallery for any final gifts before heading home to continue the festivities.
MORE THAN AN ART GALLERY
Of course, The Biscuit Factory is also one of the North East’s most inspiring spaces to shop. Whether you’re choosing an original painting, a hand-thrown mug for your morning ritual, a piece of contemporary jewellery, or even a well-designed greeting card, every purchase supports independent makers.
This year, gifting gets even easier thanks to the Own Art payment option, which spreads the cost over 10 months interest-free on purchases of £100 or more. It’s a brilliant way to curate a collection of thoughtful Christmas presents without the December splurge, or to treat yourself to a piece you’ve had your eye on all year.
You’ll also find gift vouchers, beautifully crafted books and the kind of handmade jewellery you can’t find anywhere else.
HIGH LIFE NORTH X THE BISCUIT FACTORY – CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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