North East Festival of Languages
This year’s jam-packed programme is full of free activities, including events, competitions and resources.
12 January 2026
The North East Festival of Languages is back for 2026, and we are delighted to be involved once again.
This year’s jam-packed programme is full of free activities, including:
- events
- competitions
- resources
The Festival is the largest of its type in the UK.
It provides children and young people (aged 3-18) with experiences and knowledge to help them to become global citizens, who are both passionate and curious about the world around them.
Andrea Wilczynski, Head of the School of Modern Languages, commented:
Programme of events
Staff and students from Newcastle University are involved in the following activities:
Mother Tongue Other Tongue
6 January – 31 March
This activity aims to celebrate young people’s (aged 7-18) poetic writing that reflects the different languages they speak. All entries will be reviewed by staff and students representing the Language Resource Centre.
Language and culture taster sessions KS2-5
Throughout February and March
Teachers from North East primary, secondary schools and sixth forms – do you want to give your students a taste of different languages, cultures or countries, as well as the option to include an of careers with languages session? Our virtual taster sessions, or in-person sessions offer a selection of European and world languages. Sessions are arranged directly with you and tailored to your needs.
These fun, interactive sessions are led by Student Language Ambassadors from Newcastle University’s Language Resource Centre.
Language treasures at Great North Museum: Hancock
4 March and teacher-led activities throughout March
The Great North Museum: Hancock is inviting schools (KS2-3) to explore their galleries through a linguistic lens. Language ambassadors will be on hand to support teacher-led French, Spanish or German worksheets in the galleries.
Mini Olympics
12 March
Nine primary and middle schools (Years 3-5) will participate in an Olympics style sports day, which will involve tasks related to the histories, cultures and languages of different countries. Students will be on hand to help, and it will take place at the Sport and Wellbeing Centre.
Spanish Teachers’ Day
14 March
This event is aimed at teachers and future teachers of Spanish. The day will be filled with presentations and workshops designed to inspire and inform Spanish teaching. It will take place on campus.
Creative Multilingualism at Newcastle University
19 March
This interactive workshop will give Year 10 and 11 students the chance to explore the creative potential of multilingualism through translation and creative writing. It will take place in the Old Library Building.
The festival will run until 31 March. Find out more through the ‘What’s On’ guide.