TechNExt announces “massive” free North East festival fringe programme in June

Over 30 free festival fringe events will take place across the region from Tyneside to Teesside from June 19 to 23 as part of TechNExt, a major new festival created to celebrate and champion the region’s growing tech sector.

The festival has been created in partnership between Dynamo and Sunderland Software City and the fringe programme boasts events including a breakfast and fireside chat with Chi Onwurah MP, a deep dive into teaching and learning in the age of artificial intelligence and demystifying diversity with LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, alongside a host of other events..

Festival fringe event organisers include some of the most influential organisations in the North East, including Opencast, Northstar Ventures, 50:50 Future and Innovation Supernetwork.

These major tech companies and organisations have created events specifically for the programme that will see them throw their doors open to engage the wider community, and shine a light on the amazing tech we have in this region.

TechNExt headline sponsor Opencast is hosting a series of five events taking place as part of the festival fringe programme, with a sharp focus on the challenges faced by business and the economy, as well as offering insights for those interested in a career in technology.

Opencast CEO Tom Lawson commented: “June’s festival week promises to be massive for the region, and we hope that our fringe events will be among the highlights of the TechNExt programme.

“Our HQ sessions on Monday 19 June focus on the economy and client projects, while Tuesday 20 June focuses on jobs and tech talent. Young people are particularly welcome to join us on Tuesday.”

“We’re convening leading figures from the regional and UK-wide tech sector for the occasion including from DWP Digital, techUK, North of Tyne Combined Authority and Invest Newcastle. I’m especially looking forward to joining Labour’s tech spokesperson and local MP Chi Onwurah for a fireside chat on Monday.”

Sarah Thackray, director of Dynamo, added: “We’ve had such a positive response to the Festival, and we’re looking forward to bringing the region’s tech sector together through a week of fantastic events.”

TechNExt is being planned as a Good Festival, with ‘for good’ being a core value of every element of the programme.

Sarah explained: “Delivering a Good Festival means we’re focusing on quality, inclusivity, diversity, accessibility and sustainability. It also means delivering a diverse programme and we aim to make our core events truly accessible, considering those with different protected characteristics and ensuring we meet their needs and make them as welcome as possible.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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