The Guardian: How a Tyneside bingo hall became a mecca for ravers

Promoter and artist Man Power brings world-class DJs and dance acts to King Street Social Club in North Shields

15 Sep 2025

‘There was something special happening’

You can’t miss the King Street Social Club.

Its exterior is made up of hundreds of coloured tiles and a no-nonsense red sign that make it stand out on the North Shields street it occupies. Inside the club, which is at the centre of the former fishing community around Newcastle upon Tyne, something else is brewing.

When the Guardian visits, members are playing lunchtime games of pool in the downstairs bar as usual. But upstairs there are still signs of the latest party as huge sound system speakers butt up against the bingo caller’s equipment.

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