It's good to hear that the Newcastle show is still going strong. It used to be part of my annual model railway exhibition circuit when I was in the north east, which went something along the lines of Birtley - Perth Green - Sunderland - Newcastle, first when my parents used to take me when I was a kid and then on my own when I was in my teens. Used to go to the occasional show a bit further afield if my Dad was feeling particularly charitable to drive us there. I'm sure must have gone to one in Darlington or somewhere in the area once, as I remember that we stopped off at Shildon on the way back, years before NRM Locomotion came along, when all there was was a half mile demonstration line giving brake van rides.
I can remember when the Newcastle show used to actually be in Newcastle; somewhere down towards the Quayside was it? After the move to Gateshead Stadium, I did think it was silly that they didn't use the entirety of the hall, so it's nice to hear that they are doing so now.
As for me, I'm off to the Warley show at the NEC this Saturday. One of the advantages of living in the West Midlands.