New Year fireworks back at Civic Centre
SPARKLING New Year’s Eve celebrations are in store for Newcastle once again with news that the annual firework display will be making a return to the Civic Centre.
The hugely popular annual event is promising a dazzling free firework display from 6pm on December 31 and families are set to welcome its return to the city centre after the move last year to a bigger site on the Town Moor, where a ticket ballot system was in place to cope with numbers.
While the 2017 tickets were free, many people were unhappy with both the system and the move, while others complained about viewing difficulties on the big night itself.
A poll by The Chronicle at the time revealed that most readers wanted to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks return to the Civic Centre, where it had taken place for years.
And organisers listened to the feedback and on Wednesday morning came confirmation that this would be the case.
However, there will be no carnival-style street procession this year, which no doubt will cause some disappointment.
The winter parade traditionally leads up to the fireworks display, but it has been axed due to other festive events planned for the city and funding restrictions. And a decision has yet to be made on whether there will be midnight fireworks on the quayside.
For now, organisers say there will be “street theatre” on New Year’s Eve as well as music.
This year, spectators are also being promised “a dazzling 15-minute spectacle to music” at an event which sees Newcastle City Council and NewcastleGateshead Initiative again team up with outdoor art experts Walk the Plank for an evening which is set to have “a touch of myth and magic”.
Music on the night will be provided by Heart radio presenter Tom Campbell from around 5.30pm.
Vikki Leaney, senior festivals and events manager at NGI, said: “We know that for many people, our stunning firework show is a highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebrations so we’re pleased to announce the return of the display back to the heart of the city.”