The Great North Run has always been one of the most enjoyable performances in the Drummed Up calendar, with the possibility of appearing on national television! Drummed Up plays in the white marquee in the lay-by on the A184 Felling Bypass (Park Road) near Gateshead International Stadium – past McDonalds, just beyond the blue footbridge and just before the Neilson Road turn off. We meet at the lay-by between 8.45am and 9am. The what3words location is coats.seats.transfers.
You can’t park in the layby behind the marquee without a vehicle pass. If you need a vehicle pass please contact Mark. Vehicle pass holders must be on site by 9am at the latest, which is when the roads close. You will need to display your vehicle pass in your windscreen, otherwise you will not be permitted on site.
Without a vehicle pass the closest parking to where we are is next to the Asda Gateshead Old Fold Supermarket on Holmes Drive but this is very limited and you will not be able to get onto the Felling Bypass until the roads open again after the run, which may be as late as mid-afternoon. You can get out the other way along Holmes Drive at any time though so you will not be blocked in.
The nearest Metro is Gateshead Stadium which is about a 5 minute walk from where we are located. Turn right at McDonalds, but you will probably hear us by then!
We drum from 10am, when the wheelchair competitors set off, until at least 12 noon, until Tail End Charlie comes past.
We have seats and lots of spare drums so if you are coming on foot you don’t need to carry a drum, you can use one of ours! Bring food and drink, appropriate clothing for the weather and a cushion to sit on.
The Great North Run is on Sunday, 7th September 2025. Everyone is welcome, whether you have drummed with us before or not, come along and join in!
We often go for lunch afterwards to the lovely Cafe Under The Spire in Gateshead.