Team Extreme are returning to Metrocentre this summer with their adrenaline-fuelled Half Pipe Show, joined by a very special guest – record-breaking BMX rider and local legend Kieran Reilly.
25 year-old Reilly made history in 2022 by becoming the first person to land a ‘triple flair’ – three backflips with one 180° rotation – going on to take gold at the European Championships in 2023 and silver at the Olympics 2024, amongst other notable titles.
Fresh from competing in this summer’s X Games in the United States, Reilly will return to his native Gateshead to join Team Extreme’s world-class line-up of riders for two days of gravity-defying BMX, skateboard, inline and scooter displays taking place across Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August.
Spectators can watch heart-in-mouth as riders launch themselves high above the giant half pipe set-up in Exhibition Square, as they pull off everything from complex flips, tailwhips and barspins to 360 and 540 combos and high-flying straight airs.
Metrocentre Marketing Manager Helen Atkinson said: “With Team Extreme, you always know you are in for a jaw-dropping display but the announcement that BMX legend and local lad Kieran Reilly is to star in this year’s line-up has really added to the sense of anticipation around the 2026 show.
“Whether you know your airs and grabs from your spins, or it’s all new to you, come along and prepare to be impressed by back-to-back aerial tricks at a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pace. It’s a must-see experience that will have the whole family talking about it long after the event itself.”
As with previous years, the Summer 2026 Half Pipe Show is free to attend and there’s no need to book, although arriving early is advised to secure a good viewing spot as crowds are expected. The times for each display will be advertised online at www.themetrocentre.co.uk/whats-on in the days running up to the show.
Adding to the energy at Metrocentre on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, local sports clubs and organisations will be taking over nearby Town Square to promote the some of the many different opportunities to get active across the North East.
This includes Newcastle Eagles, the most successful team in British basketball history, who celebrate their 30th anniversary season this September. The club’s players and coaches will be out in force on a pop-up court, showcasing the core skills of the game and encouraging audiences to get involved – including the invitation to step up to the free-throw line and take aim for the chance to win tickets to upcoming games.
For younger visitors, there will also be opportunities to meet, greet and take a photo with team favourite, official mascot Swoop the Eagle.
Metrocentre’s big sporting weekend is just one of several events that the mall is laying on over the summer school holidays, culminating in the hugely popular Roller Rink in Exhibition Square from Tuesday 18 August until Bank Holiday Monday 31 August.
“It’s all part and parcel of Metrocentre’s commitment to help parents with the logistics and cost of keeping youngsters entertained over the holidays,” said Atkinson, “providing a mix of free and budget-friendly options designed to engage in the here and now, and encourage new activities and interests longer-term.”
To book a Roller Rink session – whether Learn to Skate, SEND-friendly or open skating – visit www.powerthroughsport.com/book-now
