With my background in magazine journalism and writing, this blog originally started out as a passion project; a place where I could bring my editorial dreams to life and a place that was all mine. And, 15 years later – the sparkly journey continues!
Newcastle Sparkles is an independent lifestyle blog uncovering the best of Newcastle and the North East of England.
I re-launched the site in 2023 with a brand new look and three content sections: food and drink, things to do and exploring the wider region.
You’ll find everything from reviews, listicles and local guides to interviews and dates for your diary, all written and curated by me – Alexis Forsyth – an experienced copywriter, blogger, and former magazine journalist and editor.
I often describe Newcastle Sparkles as something in between a blog and a digital magazine. That’s because my articles are informative, well-researched and focused on what my readers want to know, but also peppered with my personal anecdotes and experiences.
The majority of my posts are also ‘independent’ with no transactional relationship at play, which means businesses only know they’ve been featured once I hit publish.
Looking for guaranteed coverage?
Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of wonderful local businesses and iconic national brands to help raise the profile of their services, venues, and events – all with a Newcastle twist.
I’m open to a limited number of collaborations if they’re relevant to my blog and something I know my readers will love. For complete transparency, I label these articles as ‘advertorials’ to indicate that a press invitation, complimentary service, or payment has been provided in exchange for guaranteed coverage. Social media content is also marked as an ‘ad’.
Opportunities at a glance
- Reviews
- Social media content
- Features
- Newsletter inclusion
- Interviews
- Podcast appearances
My collaborations have included:
- Fenwick
- M&S
- Aldi
- John Lewis
- Metrocentre
- Get into Newcastle
- Go Ape
- The Escape Key
- Malmaison
- Le Petit Chateau
- Jesmond Dene House
- St Mary's Inn
- The Tanners Arms
- Chaophraya
- Six at BALTIC
- Turtle Bay
- Gaucho
- The Botanist
- Pasta Evangelists
- EL&N Cafe
- WC Newcastle
- Northern Stage
- Newcastle Castle
- Plus many others!
5 reasons to work with Newcastle Sparkles
I’ve been blogging about Newcastle for over a decade, which shows I’m passionate and knowledgeable about the city, and you can trust that I know what I’m doing.
As a former magazine journalist and editor, I know a thing or two about crafting articles with creative flair. No humdrum posts to see here!
Newcastle Sparkles has a multi-channel digital presence – I publish an Instagram magazine and also a monthly newsletter, which will further amplify your profile. (And, shhh, a sparkly podcast is in the works!)
My blog’s niche focus on Newcastle-based lifestyle content means your business will reach a hyper-targeted and engaged readership across the North East.
By day, I’m also an experienced marketing professional, so I understand you’ll be working towards specific campaign goals – and my blog can help you reach them.
But don’t just take my word for it, here’s what other professionals have to say…
As seen on...
I contributed to a travel guide on Stylist Magazine’s website, titled ‘14 underrated UK city trips to take this summer‘ where I shared my top tips on visiting my hometown of Stirling.
Ryanair’s blog, Into the Blue, worked with a selection of local bloggers to compile a list of Newcastle’s best brunch spots. Newcastle Sparkles profiled Blakes coffee house and kitchen on Grey Street for the feature.
I featured on editorial platform Pattern, as part of the website’s popular Studio Series, where I talked about my career in writing, and my love for blogging and all things Newcastle.