Eldon Square to host weekend of free fashion and beauty events

Free masterclasses in fashion and beauty will be on offer in Newcastle this April, promising to showcase the city's "freshest, most fearless and fabulous looks for 2024".

That's the message from organisers of a special weekend event, described as a Celebration of Fashion and Beauty, in Eldon Square which is out to set the bar for style and glamour. The classes, which will take place from April 27-28, will cover all things glamour and beauty-related and they will offer up tips and tricks for the season from stylists, make-up artists and local trend-setters, including Newcastle influencer and make-up artist Rubey Lalia.

Playing host will be BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Anna Foster and also among those taking part will be local make-up artist Amanda Bell; 'fashion gurus' Jolie Ince and Jessica Chapman from John Lewis and Partner’s Eldon Square store and TV fashion stylist Maddie Sidebottom.

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Rubey, who has done make-up for the likes of Love Island’s Amber Gill, said: "I’m really excited to join an amazing line-up of local experts. We’ll be providing invaluable tips and tricks for the coming months as well as spotlighting some of the great looks that are available at Eldon Square’s retailers."

The masterclasses will showcase retailers such a Next; New Look; Monki; Hollister & Co; All Saints and Kiko Milano and they also will touch upon viral trends, such as the ‘clean girl' and 'mob wife' aesthetics.

There will be a spring flower wall too for photos and a chance to win Eldon Square gift vouchers on a Spin the Wheel machine. Anna says the event will be the place to be “for anyone struggling with how to freshen up their wardrobe this spring".

Cormac Hamilton, general manager at Eldon Square, added that Newcastle is a city "renowned for its sense of style", saying: "We are excited to feature how fashion and beauty is the ultimate expression of identity" and how, with its pick of shops, "Eldon Square has you covered".

The two-day event will take place there just outside New Look, where the free masterclasses will run at slots from noon, until 5pm on the Saturday and 4pm on the Sunday. For information on the precise class timings see here.