BAE Systems no longer sponsoring Great Exhibition of the North

BAE Systems has announced it will “redirect” support which had been promised to the Newcastle and Gateshead cultural festival . Credit: PA/EYELEVEL

A weapons manufacturer will no longer be supporting the Great Exhibition of the North.

BAE Systems has announced it will “redirect” support which had been promised to the Newcastle and Gateshead cultural festival .

The decision comes after its sponsorship provoked outcry from a number of artists including Radio 1 DJ Lauren Laverne, who said the sponsorship “raised questions” for her.

Singer Nadine Shah also withdrew from the event , citing her anger over the defence giant’s involvement.

The Sage and the Baltic both “acknowledged” artists’ concerns and stated that neither venue would receive any BAE funds.

A spokesperson for BAE said:

A spokesperson for the Great Exhibition of the North said: