Queen vs ABBA by Candlelight Comes to St Mary’s by the Tyne

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA at St Mary’s by the Tyne brings another Candlelight programme to Gateshead on 24 October 2026, with the current event record listing 9pm.

St Mary’s is one of the more distinctive places to hear this series. The historic former church sits beside the Tyne, and its stone interior gives a string performance a very different atmosphere from a conventional theatre or arena show.

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA in Gateshead

The programme brings two huge pop catalogues into the Candlelight string-quartet format, putting Queen’s rock arrangements alongside ABBA’s melodic pop writing.

Rather than using a backing track or full band, Candlelight centres the arrangement itself. That makes familiar songs easier to hear from a different angle, while the close setting keeps the musicians and audience in the same visual space.

The venue is also a useful addition to Gateshead’s wider live-music map. Alongside The Glasshouse, Station East, Central Bar, The Fed, Little Theatre Gateshead and The Three Tuns, it gives the borough another regular programme without simply duplicating what is happening across the river in Newcastle.

The Candlelight format is designed as a focused concert rather than a background-music experience. Arriving before the advertised start is important, particularly because entry arrangements can differ from a standard standing gig. SoundBite recommends checking the organiser’s listing again before travelling for the latest access, seating and timing information.

The current SoundBite event record states an age limit of eight and over, with under-16s accompanied by an adult. Any event-specific changes shown by the organiser should take priority.

Check tickets and current event information, or browse more Gateshead gigs and music venues on SoundBite North East.