Winter celebration in East End

Winter celebrations to light up Newcastle's East End with seasonal events
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20241022_Winter-on-the-square(1)

 

Get ready to embrace the winter season in Byker as Shields Road lights up and Hadrian Square transforms into a magical winter wonderland. This autumn and winter, Newcastle’s east end will come alive with a series of community events, building on the success of Summer on the Square which attracted nearly 3,000 people.

From Halloween movies to glowing festive lights, these events are all part of the wider effort to attract footfall and breathe new life into the area through the Newcastle East – Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets Project, led by Newcastle City Council and funded by the North East Combined Authority.   

Cllr Dan Greenhough, Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Jobs and Skills, said: “This programme of free activities and events has been designed in consultation with people that live and work in the area and we are really excited to see the welcome return of festive lights to Shields Road, we can’t wait to celebrate this popular and vibrant area of Newcastle together.

"These high streets are essential to the local community, and it's heartwarming to see the impact of this project on businesses and residents. The upcoming events are the perfect way to celebrate the season and the progress we've made."

 

Upcoming Events:

Halloween Movies on Hadrian Square – 30 October, 12 PM – 7 PM
Get cosy with blankets, hot water bottles, and hot chocolate as you enjoy a frightfully fun lineup of Halloween classics. Featuring Frankenweenie (12 PM), Labyrinth (3:15 PM), and Hocus Pocus (5:30 PM), plus a creative Monster Workshop at 2 PM.

Autumn Fest – 1 November, 11 AM – 4 PM
Embrace the autumn spirit with live music, lantern-making, and autumnal crafts. Visit a small market including pay what you feel upcycled children’s costumes made from thrifted clothes. Free face painting, too!

Illuminating Byker – 14 November, 5 PM – 7:30 PM
Celebrate the return of festive lights to Shields Road with a glowing mix of LED displays, live music, and circus performers. Giant lantern puppets will roam Hadrian Square, and the event will culminate in a spectacular 7 PM celebration.

The Winter Circus – 14 December, 3 PM – 8 PM
Step into a magical winter wonderland with circus workshops, fire shows, and a festive cabaret. The lively Baghdaddies will perform, while you warm up with drinks and enjoy the festive cheer.

These events are part of the Newcastle East – Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets Project, focussing on five high streets in the east of the city - Chillingham Road, Heaton Road, Heaton Park Road, Shields Road and Welbeck Road. Since 2022, the project has supported local traders, created jobs, and revitalised empty properties and public spaces, helping to re-energise these high streets. 

For full details, visit https://newcastleeast.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/winter-on-the-square/step1