Gateshead Creative Crawl Easter Quest 2026

Follow a trail of 8 Cinderella-themed Easter boxes hidden across Gateshead town centre, running from Thursday 2 to Easter Saturday 4 April

Gateshead Creative Crawl Easter Quest invites you to explore familiar places in new ways!

Working on the past trails Northumbria University Fine Art interns working with Orbis Community and Vane gallery gave
an amazing creative makeover for our Hot (Cross Bun) off the Press Easter trail boxes!

Discover each location and use handmade stamps at every stop, while enjoying activities and surprises across the town. This free, all-ages event celebrates Gateshead’s community spirit, creating a playful shared experience across Gateshead town centre. We are teaming up with Newcastle Building Society to bring you a fantastic competition where you can colour in and design your own Easter egg for the chance to win an awesome prize.

Free workshops will take place at Orbis Community, West Street from 11am to 3pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, with additional surprise workshops to be announced

Please note that on Good Friday some locations may move to nearby spaces due to opening hours. Visit the website for the most up to date information

Begin your journey on West Street bright, At Orbis Community where the slipper glows with light. A sparkling clue, a story starts to grow, A trace of magic only you can know.

At Iceland waits a carriage, round and gold, A pumpkin turned to wonder, brave and bold. Before the clock strikes twelve and time takes flight, Can you spot the royal ride in sight?

Along to St Oswald’s, where magic fills the air, A wand, a wish, a sparkle waiting there. The Fairy Godmother softly leaves her trace, A shimmer of hope in every place.

At YMCA the castle stands so tall, A royal secret hidden in its walls. Step inside this story, bold and grand, And find the magic placed within your hand.

On to Trinity where the clock will chime, At Newcastle Building Society, racing time. Midnight nears, the moment draws close, What changes here? Only the brave will know.

Through Trinity Square, small footsteps appear, The mice are working, busy and near. Tiny helpers scurry, quick and bright, Guiding the way through day and night.

Up High Street where a crown shines bright, At Carousel, claim your royal right. A hidden treasure, bold and true, A moment made just for you.

Then on to Green Heart, where stories meet, A final clue along the street. A slipper waits, the end in sight, Will you be the perfect fit tonight?

My Bright Shining Star

This beautiful story and its stunning illustrations inspired our trail boxes, celebrating its message of kindness and hope. Click the image above to buy a copy! share the love x

Written by Fatima Whitbread and illustrated by Rhian Wright, and published by Words & Pictures, My Bright Shining Star is a heartfelt picture book inspired by Whitbread’s own childhood growing up in care.

The story follows Little Fatima, who lives in a children’s home while waiting to find her forever family. As other children leave, she experiences disappointment and uncertainty, but finds comfort in the kindness of Aunty Rae, who makes her feel safe, valued and loved. Together, they look to the North Star as a symbol of hope and guidance.

With warm, glowing illustrations, the book explores themes of belonging, resilience and foster care, showing how one caring adult can make a lasting difference. At its heart, it celebrates kindness, love and hope, reminding readers that even in difficult times, one “bright shining star” can help light the way.

Orbis Community West St

Unit 9, Interchange Centre, West St, Gateshead NE8 1BH

"Orbis Community plays a vital role in supporting the growth and success of small businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community-driven projects. Through our work with local, national and international artists, cultural projects, and charities, we have created a vibrant hub that supports innovation, community engagement, and personal growth."

Good Friday 3 April from 11pm-3pm

Easter Saturday 4 April from 11pm-3pm

Free workshops will take place at Orbis Community West Street from 11am to 3pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, with additional surprise workshops to be announced.

PROJECT PLAY INSPIRED FREE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS: