Have a Magic time in Newcastle courtesy of Prostate Cancer UK

From rugby league to rodeo, fun quizzes to star-studded Q&A sessions and top notch musical talent, Prostate Cancer UK’s ever-growing Men United movement will mobilise in Newcastle for the final four days of May.

Culminating with the rugby showpiece Magic Weekend at St James’ Park on 30 and 31 May, the Tyneside takeover will centre around a flagship Men United Arms pub in the city.

More familiarly known as The Junction in Haymarket, the transformed pub, courtesy of Spirit Pub Company, is a short walk from St James Park and a fabulous four days will kick off as Hyde & Beast host an intimate gig there on Thursday evening [prostatecanceruk.org/hydeandbeast].

The band, fronted by friends Dave Hyde (Hyde) from Futureheads and Neil Bassett (Beast) from Golden Virgins, donated their catchy track 'Keep Moving' to Prostate Cancer UK’s 2015 television advert at the start of the Men United campaign urging mates to do something great together to fight for men’s health.

On Saturday evening there will be an exclusive DJ set from Frankie and the Heartstrings in the Men United Arms from 9pm.

The pub will broadcast live Super League action across both days, while BBC Sport’s Dave Woods will host a Magic Weekend breakfast together with some Rugby League legends in the pub on Sunday morning. Breakfasts will cost just £4.99 with a 50p donation to Prostate Cancer UK. A special Men United Ale will also be on sale throughout the four days with 10p from every pint sold donated to the charity.

Elsewhere, there will be a Men United quiz and special pre-Magic Q&A including a host of star names from the sport and Sky Sports personalities on Friday evening as Newcastle Thunder host York City Knights on #magicfriday.

And when the rugby league kicks off the following afternoon, Prostate Cancer UK’s partnership with Rugby League Cares will see a host of activity in the city, including an innovative fanzone outside St James Park’, including a specially-designed rugby rodeo.

As well as watching the cream of the Super League’s talent under one roof, one lucky fan could take centre stage by delivering the match ball for a crunch clash of their choice.

Supporters of all 12 clubs plus North East natives can enter to win this prize with a suggested donation of £5 on the prize draw website: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/magicweekend.

For the 2015 Super League season players and coaches from all 12 clubs have pledged their allegiance to the new partnership by signing for Men United. All will work closely with the two organisations in what promises to be the most competitive season ever.

Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, Owen Sharp, said: “Magic Weekend has established itself not only as a major moment on the rugby league landscape but also across the sporting calendar as well, so we are really looking forward to taking over Newcastle – and offering exciting activities to locals and fans.

“The fact that, for one weekend only, teams and fans will convene at a historic venue is a perfect example of what we call Men United; getting together to fight for men’s health.

“Our Men United Arms have proved a real hit across the country, dovetailing with the hugely important initiatives we have rolled out, so what better place to do something great with your mates than experiencing a Magic Weekend Prostate Cancer UK style.”

To join Men United and do something great over Magic Weekend come along to the Men United Arms, watch the gig, and enjoy the fanzone.

This summer Prostate Cancer UK is asking Men United to get active and fundraise. If people can’t attend Magic Weekend instead they can take on a cycle ride, a walk, a golf event, a BBQ or the Men United quiz to show their support. Visit prostatecanceruk.org for more information.
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NOTES TO EDITOR

For more information, please contact Ellie Brooke, PR Manager at Prostate Cancer UK, on 020 3310 7135 or at ellie.brooke@prostatecanceruk.org.