The summary evaluation report for Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2025 has been published today. This demonstrates the impact of the Festival, which in 2025 has had the largest participation in the five years it has been running and its most extensive programme from January to March 2025. The Festival was very well received and had significant impact on schools and the children and young people taking part.
The evaluation involved a review of participation data, teachers’ responses to the Festival feedback survey, filmed case studies, website and social analytics and year-on-year comparisons. It was conducted by Declan Baharini, CEO of International Newcastle and Festival Coordinator. It was funded by the North East Combined Authority as part of their grant to Newcastle City Council for the Festival. The outcomes of the evaluation will inform future planning and help support investment in future Festivals.
Click here to view or download the evaluation summary
This summary of the more detailed evaluation report, includes:
- key achievements, core strengths and challenges, with recommendations for future Festivals
- an overview of participation and engagement in the Festival
- impact of the Festival on schools and children and young people
- the timeline of Festival development, launch and delivery
- the partnership which makes the Festival possible
- the Festival programme content
- additional benefits linked to Festival participation
- acknowledgements and Festival links
“Thanks to everyone who took part and supported the Festival this year. It has been a pleasure doing the evaluation, with such positive feedback.
The evaluation shows how the Festival is achieving its aims to inspire young people to express themselves, to embrace different languages and cultures and make connections as well as expanding their horizons and increasing recognition of the importance of languages for future education choices and career opportunities.
Teachers’ feedback has been invaluable in helping us to understand what works, what impact the festival has had on schools and pupils and what teachers would like to see going forward, as well as any improvements. We hope to build on this going forward and make the Festival even better.”
Further information and links
For further information about Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages visit expressyourselfne.com and follow the Festival via Instagram, Facebook and X. We hope to be able to run the Festival again in 2026, so do follow on social media or check the Festival’s news page in the Autumn for any announcements.
The Festival was part-funded by the North East Combined Authority
The evaluation was delivered by International Newcastle and overseen by Newcastle City Council
