In December 2025, BeaconHouse Events delivered the culminating event of North East Roots Homecoming; the Homecoming Awards & Showcase a landmark celebration reconnecting the North East’s global community with the region they love; a bold, live celebration of regional pride, purpose and impact.
The final evening was conceived as a dynamic, multi-layered production, blending awards, storytelling and live performance within a single, tightly choreographed experience. Special awards were presented by Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East, reinforcing the civic significance of the event and its role in championing opportunity across the region. Hosted by Charlie Charlton, with presenters including Brenda Blethyn, Sam Wonfor and Dean Thompson, the programme balanced warmth, pace and authority, guiding audiences through an evening designed to inspire as much as it celebrated.
A rich live performance line-up showcased the depth of North East creative talent, with contributions from Paul Smith (Maximo Park), Tarras, Charlotte Kennedy, Kay Greyson, David Almond, The Crude Tarmac Quartet and Hannabiel and Midnight Blue Unplugged. Performances were carefully interwoven with award moments, creating a live experience that felt both celebratory and deeply rooted in place.
The awards themselves recognised outstanding individuals and organisations whose success and generosity continue to shape the region’s story. A representative selection of honourees included Ann Cleeves, Tim Healy, George Clarke, Greggs, Ringtons, Malcolm Gerrie and Thom Lewis.
BeaconHouse Events, provided end-to-end event management and live production. Working closely with Community Foundation North East and a wide network of stakeholders, we led the planning, technical production and onsite delivery of a complex awards and showcase format, coordinating presenters, performers, suppliers and production teams to ensure a seamless live experience. From shaping the run-of-show to managing the energy and flow of the room, our focus was on creating a night that felt purposeful, polished and emotionally resonant. We were proud to help bring this ambitious vision to life, closing the programme with an event that honoured the past, celebrated the present and looked confidently towards the region’s future.
“The high level of attention to detail and the experience/skill set that you brought – that helped develop a high level of confidence” John Hollingsworth, Community Foundation
