Search on for Newcastle’s “Hobby Hero” with £5,000 up for grabs

The search is on throughout Newcastle for a “Hobby Hero,” with £5,000 up for grabs for one lucky hobbyist sharing their pastime passions.

Eventbrite announced its “Hobby Hero” competition in the hopes of getting the nation connected again through a wellbeing initiative supported by Professor Cary Cooper.

The ticketing and event platform is calling on Newcastle residents to win a £5,000 prize, split evenly between cash and Eventbrite fee credits.

The £2,500 cash and £2,500 Eventrbite fee credits will be awarded to the person who can expertly share their pastime passion with others, revealing all about their curious and creative hobbies.

Hobbies have been shown to positively impact mental health not just of the individual taking part in their favourite pastime, but those sharing in it.

Psychologist Professor Cary Cooper said: “The pandemic, the rising cost of living, and Brexit have left people feeling stressed and out of control. People want to do something they can control, and hobbies offer just that.

“They can boost your wellbeing because whether you’re knitting, running, hula hooping, abseiling or baking: hobbies offer a great way to take your mind from the stresses of the world and work, take you away from the screen and let you do something positive, creative and fulfilling.

“Enjoying a hobby with someone else or in groups is even more beneficial because it provides motivation and social connection.

“Many people take up a hobby to form new friendships, even if it’s an unconscious thing to them.

“After two years of social isolation, it’s a joy to see people connecting through hobbies that bring them pleasure and, depending on what you do, improve physical fitness, memory or mood.  I recommend taking up a new hobby to many people.

Anything from beekeeping to pottery to yoga has helped Eventbrite activity attendees stay occupied through the pandemic and several lockdowns.

Eventbrite’s Sebastian Boppert said: “As we move out of the pandemic, we want to help the nation reconnect through live events.

“Hobbies are great for our health, they enhance our skills and allow us to make new friends.

“It’s time we celebrated our hobbies – from the weird and wacky to the crafty and creative – for the benefits they give us and the talent they produce.

“Our Hobby Hero winner will be someone with enthusiasm and dedication who wants to share it with others and maybe even earn some money with it.”

To enter the Evenbrite Hobby Hero competition, a short entry can be filled out on their website entering yourself or someone else.

Semi-finalists will be chosen from each region and put forth before a panel of judges, who will choose the winner.

The deadline for entry is Wednesday 15 June, 2022.