Campaigners call for 'Black Eye Friday' to end
Action groups say it's time to call it Festive Friday, to remove the idea of fights and violence
Last updated 22nd Dec 2017
North East action group One Punch North East say it's time to rebrand Black Eye Friday as #FestiveFriday, in a bid to tackle the amount of violence seen on the busiest night of the Christmas period.
With many of us across the North East heading out for some celebratory, end-of-year drinks tonight, campaign groups in the North East say it's time to end so called 'Black Eye Friday'.
Black Eye Friday - or Mad Friday as it is known elsewhere - is the nickname often given to the final Friday before Christmas because of fights and violence that people out drinking get into.
That's why this year One Punch North East, along with partners including the Consett Street Friends group, are calling for the rebrand.
Maxine Thompson, director of the group, said:
"In the night time economy it is bad - people do fight - but I think that Black Eyed Friday is giving you the go ahead to go out and hit people.
"So really it shouldn't be about that - it should be about celebrating, going out with your friends, and not fighting.
"We're also working alongside the door staff and security staff to make sure it is a safe environment for people who are out and just want to have a nice night, because lots of times now, youngsters have too much to drink before they even get out."