Man, 24, died after he was hit by car
ONE HUNDRED drones flying in formation last night lit the night sky to mark the opening of the Great Exhibition Of The North.
More than 20,000 people lined the banks of the Tyne to watch the spectacular display, which will launch the 80-day celebration of northern England, its scientific achievements and its art.
About three million people are expected to visit the festival in Newcastle and Gateshead, with more than a third of those coming from outside the region.
Tourism experts predicted the event will bring £184m into the North-East economy.
They were pleased with the positive picture of the region that was presented nationally as the BBC broadcast under blue skies from the famous Quayside.
Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The Great Exhibition is an opportunity for us to say, loud and proud, that our better days are ahead of us, rather than behind us.”
The opening event featured drone company Skymagic’s first UK display, watched by a crowd of 20,000 last night.
One hundred drones fitted with LED lights were piloted in formation between the Sage music centre and the Baltic art gallery, choreographed to form different 3D shapes.
ProjectsdirectorMungoDenison said beforehand: “We want to surprise people, we don’t think they will have seen something like this before. We are looking forward to blowing people away.”
There was also an 80-metre water sculpture on the Tyne and a spectacular firework display. Following the launch night event, the exhibition will continue until September with events and trails across Tyneside, ranging from the loan of Stephenson’s from the Science Museum to a showcase from the Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid. BBC 6 Music DJ Lauren Laverne, has also curated a week of concerts.
Newcastle Gateshead Initiative chief executive Sarah Stewart said: “It will reward repeat visits; there’s no way someone coming for the day would be able to see all aspects of it.”
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “The Great Exhibition of the North is an incredible celebration of the very best of Northern innovation, design and culture.
“It is a unique showcase that demonstrates the role the North of England is playing in shaping our future.
“Newcastle-Gateshead will put on a fantastic festival for the whole country.
“It will once more highlight the creative strength of the Northern Powerhouse and how cultural investment can boost economies and inspire communities.”
Carol Bell, executive director of Great Exhibition Of The North, said: “Today marks the start of an incredible summer and we hope local residents and visitors from far and wide will come and experience the array of amazing exhibits, live performances and displays of innovation we have on offer for free throughout the summer.”
After dark last night, the water feature danced to music commissioned by Maximo Park, Yorkshire’s Kate Rusby with Royal Northern Sinfonia and Darkstar.
Maximo Park played to the crowd as the band floated down the Tyne on a craft.
A student suffered fatal injuries when a car mounted the pavement and struck him as he walked along a street.
An inquest opening at Wakefield heard 24-year-old Andrew Hillarby was hit by the car on Haigh Moor Road at Tingley just before 4.30pm on June 5.
Mr Hillarby, a student of The Nook, Tingley, was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he died the following day.
Area coroner Jonathan Leach said police were investigating. He adjourned the inquest.