newcastle’s Howaymanay: New Year’s Eve Run & Celebrations Draw Thousands
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Newcastle’s vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations have expanded this year with the addition of a 5km (3.1-mile) run organized by former world champion athlete steve Cram, alongside the established Howaymanay festivities. The event aims to provide an additional activity for the large crowds already gathering in the city center.
Organizers are anticipating approximately 2,000 participants in the run, with ambitions to grow the event should it continue in subsequent years. “We have lots of people come into the city centre for New Year’s Eve celebrations, mainly for the fireworks, so why not add something else that people can take part in and enjoy?” a senior official stated.
Howaymanay: A Night of Entertainment
Howaymanay, Newcastle’s New Year’s Eve event, promises a diverse range of entertainment. The celebrations will feature performances by buskers and captivating lantern puppets, culminating in a stunning midnight firework display. Tickets for the main event have already sold out, demonstrating the high demand for New Year’s Eve entertainment in the city.
To accommodate those preferring an earlier celebration, a free fireworks display was held at 6:00 PM. Traffic management plans are also in place,with the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge scheduled to close at 10:00 PM and reopen following the midnight spectacle.
A Growing Tradition
Event organizers are hopeful that Howaymanay will establish itself as a long-standing annual tradition,attracting visitors and boosting the local economy. “Plans for Howaymanay have really come to life, and visitors are in for something very special,” explained Councillor Abdul Samad, cabinet member for culture, music and arts at Newcastle City Council. “A huge amount of work has gone into creating an event that feels truly unique to Newcastle – a night full of energy, entertainment and that unmistakable Geordie spirit.”
The combination of athletic participation and festive entertainment underscores Newcastle’s commitment to providing a memorable New Year’s eve experience for all.
Why: Newcastle expanded its New Year’s Eve celebrations to include a 5km run and enhance the existing Howaymanay festivities, aiming to offer more activities for the large crowds attending.
Who: The event is organized by Newcastle City Council, with the 5km run spearheaded by former world champion athlete Steve Cram. Approximately 2,000 participants are expected for the run, and the main Howaymanay event sold out of tickets.
What: Howaymanay is newcastle’s New Year’s Eve event, featuring buskers, lantern puppets, a 6:00 PM fireworks display, and a midnight fireworks display. A new 5km run was added this year.
How did it end?: The celebrations culminated in a spectacular midnight fireworks display, with traffic management plans in place to accommodate the crowds and the closure of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.Organizers hope to establish Howaymanay as a long-standing annual tradition.
