M·E·L Research appointed to deliver major evaluation of NECA’s Early Events Programme
M·E·L Research has been appointed by the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to deliver the programme-level evaluation of the Early Events Programme 2025/26 – a flagship investment in cultural, creative and place-based activity across the North East.
The programme includes 9 distinctive events funded by NECA and delivered by local authority partners. It represents a bold step towards embedding culture-led regeneration in the region, and forms a foundation for NECA’s forthcoming 10-year regional events strategy.
Angel of the North, Gateshead
The evaluation will assess the economic, social and cultural impacts of the programme as a whole, providing strategic insight into how cultural events can drive local pride, improve wellbeing, support creative careers and strengthen regional identity.
Elliot Simmonds, Client Solutions Director at M·E·L Research, leads on our research into major events. He said of our appointment:
“We are thrilled to be working with NECA and partners across the North East on this important and timely evaluation. Events are more than entertainment – they are economic drivers, social glue, and a way to tell powerful stories about people and place. This programme is a key example of how targeted investment can strengthen communities and boost regional confidence. Our role is to help make those impacts visible, measurable and useful for future decision-making.”
M·E·L Research will deliver a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation using face-to-face audience interviews, stakeholder surveys, qualitative research and secondary data analysis. A shared evaluation framework will ensure consistency across all events while allowing space for local adaptation.
The evaluation will run throughout 2025/26, with interim insight shared with local authority partners and a final programme-wide report delivered in 2026.
Events in the Early Events Programme 2025/26
Lumiere 2025 (Durham County Council) An internationally renowned light festival returning to Durham with bold new commissions, installations, and an expanded learning and participation programme. A satellite event in Shildon will link to the Stockton & Darlington Railway bicentenary.
WOW North East (Durham County Council) The first North East edition of the global Women of the World Festival, celebrating women, girls and non-binary people through performance, discussion and activism. Hosted at Gala Durham and other regional venues.
We Are Gateshead (Gateshead Council) A year-long cultural programme marking milestones such as Gateshead College’s 80th birthday and the Glasshouse’s 20th anniversary. Includes pop-up events, performances and creative workshops across the borough.
Wonders of Winter (Newcastle City Council) A brand-new winter festival for Newcastle, including commissioned installations, a community-led parade, and a festive city-centre hub. Intended to become a centrepiece of the city’s Christmas offer.
Mouth of the Tyne Festival – 20th Anniversary (North Tyneside Council) A landmark celebration of two decades of music, street theatre and community activity, featuring headline acts such as UB40 and Elbow, and new elements including a grassroots music programme and dance stage.
North Shields 800 (North Tyneside Council) A year-long heritage celebration marking 800 years since the founding of North Shields, with events, exhibitions and performances co-produced by a network of over 50 community partners.
Blyth Celebrates Festival of Energy (Northumberland County Council) Part of a broader place-based regeneration campaign, the Festival of Energy will showcase Blyth’s global role in renewables and innovation through installations, events and partnerships with industry leaders.
NEXT! Big Thing (South Tyneside Council) A grassroots music programme giving underrepresented and emerging artists the opportunity to perform live at South Tyneside’s iconic open-air Amphitheatre, building on the area’s strong musical heritage.
Riverside Sunderland Futures (Sunderland City Council) A forward-looking event programme including Sonic Futures – a tech-enhanced music and innovation festival – and Culture Housewarming, celebrating the launch of Sunderland’s new national centre for creative smart cities.
This evaluation builds on our previous work including evaluations for Eurovision 2023, UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, Coventry City of Culture, Bradford City of Culture, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and Radio 1’s Big Weekend. M·E·L Research is known for its inclusive methodologies, practical insight, and ability to turn data into action.
Need support with your own social research or event evaluation?
Whether you’re a public body, charity, or organisation looking to understand your audience, evaluate impact, or inform future strategies, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with the M·E·L Research team today via our ‘Get in touch’ form below to see how our expert researchers can support your goals. Alternatively, you can email the team at info@melresearch.co.uk.
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