Pub hosts Tyneside takeover for cancer charity

The Men United Arms, the pub more familiarly known as The Junction in Haymarket, is hosting gigs, quizzes and sport for Prostate Cancer UK’s four day Tyneside takeover of fund raising.

Events kicked off as Hyde & Beast hosted an intimate gig on Thursday evening (May 28).

The band, fronted by friends Dave Hyde (Hyde) from Futureheads and Neil Bassett (Beast) from Golden Virgins, donated catchy track 'Keep Moving' to Prostate Cancer UK’s 2015 TV advert at the start of the campaign.

On Saturday evening The Men United Arms hosts an exclusive DJ set from Frankie and the Heartstrings from 9pm.

The transformed pub, owned by Spirit Pub Company, is a short walk from St James Park.

There will also be rodeo, quizzes, star-studded Q&A sessions and gigs in Newcastle to build up to a showpiece Magic Weekend at St James’ Park featuring, rugby league on 30 and 31 May.

Men United will broadcast live Super League action across both days, while BBC Sport’s Dave Woods will host a Magic Weekend breakfast with some Rugby League legends in the pub on Sunday morning.

Breakfasts will cost £4.99 with a 50p donation to Prostate Cancer UK.

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

When the rugby kicks off the following afternoon, Prostate Cancer UK’s partnership with Rugby League Cares will host activity in the city, including a fanzone outside St James Park with a specially designed rugby rodeo.

As well as watching Super League’s talent, one fan will 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 at 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.

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.”