Exhibition Park - Past and Present

Early records indicate that the current park is a result of several stages of growth from town moor pasture land to the current manicured people's park. As a result of the Town Moor Improvement Act of 1870, 35 acres of moor land were allocated for the development for recreational use by the residents and visitors of the City. Plans were drawn up, coasted and agreed in 1881.

In 1887 the Royal Jubilee Exhibition was held to mark the 50th anniversay of the Queen's reigh. A popular event, this exhibition attracted more than two million visitors.

In 1888 another exhibition was held - the Royal Agricultural Show.

It wasn't until 1929 that the next major event was held on the park land. Planned and held during a time of great economic depression, the North East Coast Exhibition was an attempt to boost business in the local heavy industries. Held over six months from May until October, the exhibition was hugely successful attracting over four million visitors.

It is worth nothing that the name - Exhibition Park was officially adopted following the 1929 event.

During the 1960's, the City Council began organising and holding the Tyneside Summer Exhibition in the park and the surrounding moor. Whilst initially a popular event, the Council found it too expensive to subsidise and the last one was held in 1986.

The current park is still the venue for any major outdoor events in Newcastle such as the annual Mela. However, it is also a haven of green space in the heart of a busy City which is much used by local residents, university students and visitors to the region.

The Future for Exhibition Park - A vision and a partnership

Exhibition Park needs reviving for the next century - and you could help. The Park's "Community Partnership" group has come together to guide this process. It aims to enable the council and local people to make the best of the park together.

This will be achieved through collaboration and consultation to:

• reconnect people with the natural world
• enhance the quality of people's lives, old and young
• develop the rich tradition of the park and local cultures.

If you wish to be involved in this exciting process, please complete this form.