Hiring a festival stage for the first time can feel like a big unknown. There are a lot of moving parts, a lot of questions to ask, and a lot of suppliers promising the world. Knowing what the process actually looks like, and what separates a smooth experience from a stressful one, makes a significant difference to how your event comes together.

This summer, we are bringing the fun back to Baltic Square. Kids Fest at Baltic Square, Gateshead is a free family event taking place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August 2026, running from 12 noon to 4pm each day. With fun fair rides, food stalls, coffee, live character performances, and meet and greet opportunities, it is set to be one of the best free family days out in the North East this summer.

Bounce Extreme is back. After a lengthy break, we are bringing one of the North East's most popular inflatable events back to the summer calendar, and this time we are doing it at a stunning new venue. On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026, Bounce Extreme returns to Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield, County Durham, giving children the chance to enjoy two full hours of unlimited inflatables and kids' rides in the beautiful grounds of one of the region's most iconic venues.

Every May Bank Holiday weekend, the small Northumberland village of Allendale comes alive. The streets fill with bunting, the market square buzzes with activity, and for the sixth year running, Dunes Event Group was right at the heart of it. We were proud to provide fairground hire for the Allendale Mayfair 2026, supplying kids' rides that helped make this beloved annual event one to remember.

In April, CMS made the economics of Medicare Advantage more challenging for payers and providers alike. The chart review exclusion is now final, the RADV audit cycle is running on a quarterly cadence, and OIG published its first comprehensive MA compliance guidance in over two decades. Underneath the headline rate increase of 2.48%, operational demands now appear to outpace revenue tailwinds, but is that really the case? In this month’s Annova Advantage, we break it all down for you.

Spring is on the way, and with it comes one of the most exciting family events of the Easter weekend. Dunes Event Group is pleased to present the Baltic Easter Egg-Stravaganza in Gateshead - a colourful and entertaining event with rides, live shows, food, and lots of Easter-related activities for all the family to enjoy.

With Easter just around the corner, excitement is growing for the Baltic Easter Egg-Stravaganza, organised by Dunes Event Group. The fun-filled event will be held during this Easter weekend in Gateshead’s Baltic area. The event promises entertainment, rides, food and plenty of family-friendly activities.

What a way to wrap up the year! At Dunes Event Group, we love finishing strong, and this New Year’s Eve was no exception. We had the pleasure of turning Gateshead Quayside into a lively, glowing wonderland for an early-evening family celebration.

There’s something truly timeless about the buzz of a fairground. The glow of lights after dark, the sound of laughter and music in the air, and that unmistakable mix of excitement and nostalgia have been part of British life for generations, from village greens to seaside promenades.

Bonfire Night in Sunderland was truly one to remember as Dunes Event Group joined forces with the Red Sky Foundation to deliver a dazzling evening of fireworks, family fun, and fundraising at Ashbrooke Sports Club.

This November, Gateshead was buzzing like never before as Dunes Event Group brought the sparkle to town with the very first Gateshead Stadium Firework Frenzy.

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to recognise the hard work and achievements of your team. If you’re thinking about hosting an end-of-year bash, or even planning ahead for next year, now is the time to start organising.

This August, the North East basked in sunshine as the annual Hardwick Festival drew thousands of music lovers, families, and festivalgoers for a weekend full of fun and excitement.

Get ready, Gateshead! Dunes Event Group is thrilled to be part of the Gateshead Stadium Firework Frenzy, happening on 1st November, and we can promise you an evening packed with excitement, entertainment, and, of course, a spectacular firework display! Doors open at 5 pm, so grab the family and get ready for a night you won’t forget.

Earlier this month, South Shields’ Sand Haven Beach came alive with the incredible Tidal Trails event: a unique 8K and 2K trail run along the coast, complete with live entertainment, food vendors, and a buzzing festival atmosphere.

Planning a wedding is all about creating unforgettable moments, and nothing brings excitement to the celebration quite like a stylish, professional bar setup.

Here in the North East, we know how to show up for our own, and this June, the communities of Sunderland and South Shields did just that!

This June, Dunes Event Group was proud to be part of two joyful and inclusive events in the North East—Bishop Auckland Pride and the YMCA North Tyneside Picnic—bringing colour, energy, and a professional edge to both days with staging and rides that left crowds smiling from ear to ear.

Planning an unforgettable event – whether it's a super-fun corporate day out, that nail-biting national rugby match on the big screens, or the truly fairytale wedding you're planning – means juggling a million things, right?

Let’s be honest, no one remembers a basic event. But throw in a Big Wheel, a helter-skelter, some glowing festoon lights, and a dancefloor buzzing under the stars? Now we’re talking.