Newcastle & Sunderland's NYE fireworks cancelled due to Covid concerns

The popular New Year’s Eve double fireworks celebration has been called off due to rising Covid-19 cases and the threat from the new Omicron variant.

The firework displays were due to go ahead on the Quayside with live music and entertainment, as well as a dramatic Laser Light show, which will still be going ahead.

The decision follows a discussion with all LA7 councils to cancel fireworks events in the region to ensure people stay safe.

While the firework display is exempt from COVID pass requirement the Council has taken the decision to cancel the event due to the large crowds that would gather.

The Laser Light show, which takes place on 30th, 31st December and 1st January, will continue as there is no specific show which will attract a large gathering, and the light show takes place over an extended time at several locations.

The project will see lasers positioned on the Tyne Bridge, Sage Gateshead, Baltic and Malmaison hotel on the Quayside plus Hadrian’s Tower and the Civic Centre.

The high-powered lasers will light up the night skies and will be visible to people within a ten-mile radius of the city centre.

Taking place over three days between the hours of 6pm and 11pm for the first two days and until 1am on New Year’s Eve means there is no specific show or moment in time that requires one audience.

People should stay at home if they have symptoms and if they are going to view the light show when around others should wear a mask and keep their distance to help protect everyone.

Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said:

“It’s with great sadness that we have to cancel the New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. We understand the disappointment this will bring but it’s not a decision we have taken lightly.

“In light of the new Omicron variant and rise in Covid cases, we have a duty of care to minimise transmission and keep people safe.

“We’ve still managed to enjoy some fantastic festivities in the city and we’re now looking forward to the stunning Laser Light show to mark the end of the year.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland's New Year fireworks event has also been cancelled, as the country is gripped by a surge in Covid cases.

Riverside Sunderland was due to play host to the family-friendly event, featuring a 15-minute aerial display and live on-stage entertainment.

However, as the threat posed by the Omicron variant grows, Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) have taken the very difficult decision to cancel the event, to ensure that people stay safe.

That decision also followed a discussion with all LA7 councils to cancel fireworks events in the region to ensure people stay safe. While firework displays are exempt from Covid pass requirements, the decision was taken to cancel the event due to the large crowds that would gather.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said:

“We’re really disappointed to have to cancel Sunderland’s New Year’s Eve activities, which were a new addition to the city events programme and something we know many families were looking forward to attending. In the end though, it is the right thing to do, as we face another surge in Covid cases owed to this new variant.

“Our health services have worked tirelessly for almost two years to protect this city and we owe it to them to minimise the risk of spreading this virus. Cancelling events that would attract a ‘gathering of people’ is something we agreed - along with the six other local authorities in the North East - as being the responsible thing to do at this time.”

Sharon Appleby, chief executive of Sunderland BID said:

"We’ve managed to enjoy some festivities this year, but as the risk of the Covid variant spreading grows, we have to do our bit to minimise transmission and to keep people safe.”

Though the New Year’s fireworks event is cancelled, the city’s Christmas programme is still underway, with the ice rink remaining open until Monday, January 3, 2022, with Covid safe measures in place. To book, visit www.sunderlandicerink.co.uk.

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