See Tyne lit up at night by boat
SEE THE QUAYSIDES AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE
NIGHT-TIME kayak trips along the Tyne in illuminated boats will offer a different way of seeing Newcastle and Gateshead’s quaysides this winter.
NE1 Ltd has teamed up with Cullercoats Bike and Kayak to launch the moonlight night-time kayaking tours, which give Geordies and visitors alike a new way to explore the Tyne and its famous quayside.
The two-hour trips set off from NE1’s Marina, close to the Millennium Bridge, and offer an insight into the history of the area and river. The route takes paddlers under the bridges and offers views of both the Sage and Baltic, which are illuminated at night.
They follow in the wake of this summer’s daylight kayak trips along the same stretch of river. Cullercoats Bike and Kayak also arranged late-night trips in Blyth when the town hosted the Tall Ships Race in 2016.
The trips set off between 3.30pm and 6.30pm on selected late afternoons and evenings in November, December and January.
Each kayak will be decked out in waterproof LED lights and customers will be decorated with glow sticks and neon face paint, before heading out on the water to explore the Tyne.
Kayakers are offered a mulled cider at Head of Steam on the Quayside, before they set off on their trip. A full safety briefing and instruction are provided before setting off.
While on the water, the guides will offer paddling tips and technique to the kayakers, as well as delivering a commentary on the sights and sounds of the river and giving an insight into the history of the Tyne and the Newcastle and Gateshead’s Quayside.
Tariq Albassam, head of operations at NE1 Ltd said: “What a way to enjoy Newcastle and its spectacular and iconic Quayside. New night-time neon kayaking is the latest addition to what has been a packed programme for NE1 Ltd, Newcastle’s Quayside and the Newcastle City Marina. 2019 has been the Quayside and the marina’s busiest to date.
“This year, the Quayside played host to over 80,000 additional visitors, here to enjoy the Heineken Rugby World cup fan-zone, while on the river other major milestones were reached, with the marina hitting 6,500 boat nights since its launch in 2011.
“This summer the marina also played host to a programme of highly successful events, including the university boat race, the city’s inaugural dragon boat race and the launch of the new Tyne Kayaking tours with the latest addition of the neon night-time kayaking adventures.
“All of this activity mirrors the wider and long-term ambitions for the Quayside and River Tyne, with over £500m of investment schedule over the next five to 10 years.
“NE1 will continue to step up activity on and off the river and will collaborate with all relevant bodies to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of what takes place on land and on the river.
“The neon night-time kayaking adventures are a great new addition and we know they will be extremely popular.”
Tickets for trips cost £49.50 for adults or £39.50 for children.
What a way to enjoy Newcastle and its spectacular and iconic Quayside
Tariq Albassam