NE1 lights up Newcastle's Theatre Royal as part of festive celebrations
Newcastle’s iconic Theatre Royal will be lit up in style this Christmas from 14th November until 8th January 2025 – thanks to funding from Newcastle NE1 Ltd. A fantastic new light installation will grace the pillars of the renowned Theatre Royal, extending the city’s Christmas festivities and spotlighting one of the city’s most famous architectural gems.
The historic Grade I listed building, designed by brothers Benjamin and John Green as part of the Grainger Town project in the 1800s, remains one of the most splendid buildings on Grey Street, often named one of the most beautiful streets in Europe.
This year, for the first time, the Theatre will be given a festive glow with garlanded lighting incorporating 18,000 warm white Christmas lights adorning the six pillars at the front of the building.
The new lighting at the theatre is part of NE1’s wider plan to elevate Newcastle as a standout location for the festive season, making it a major destination for Christmas visitors from across the region and the wider UK. Working with Newcastle City Council, Newcastle’s Christmas markets will be located on Grey Street and Grainger Street with new additions, including luxury igloos on a raised plinth at the base of Grey’s Monument, together with the welcome return of the Alpine-inspired Moosenwirt bar.
This year’s traditional markets have been enhanced and extended, offering more family-focused activities centred in and around Old Eldon Square. Newcastle’s Christmas Village brings even more festive cheer with opportunities to meet Santa, learn festive skills at Elf School, watch a holiday film at the Rockin' Reindeer Stage, or ride on a vintage carousel.
Adding seasonal lighting to the Theatre will extend the footprint of the Christmas festivities out from the markets and activities around the Monument and Old Eldon Square to further down Grey Street, incorporating more of the city into the celebrations.
The new lighting helps cement Newcastle’s aspirations as a major seasonal destination, lighting up one of the most historic buildings on one of the city’s most famous streets.
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said:
“Christmas is a hugely important time for Newcastle. The city comes alive with Christmas Markets, festive lights and a huge surge of Christmas shoppers and people socialising over the festive period.
“We’re fortunate to have a beautiful city, with an abundance of stunning historic buildings that contribute so much to what makes Newcastle unique. Sitting at the top of Grey Street, the majestic Theatre Royal is one of the architectural jewels in the city’s crown. It’s a privilege to work with the theatre to install this new lighting, celebrating and showcasing this amazing building.
“Every year, Newcastle continues to evolve, and we look forward to playing our part and adding further installations in the years to come.”
Nick Swales, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “We are delighted to have worked with NE1 on this project. Newcastle Theatre Royal is a hugely important and symbolic building in the city, and lighting it up at Christmas is a big win and a fantastic addition to the seasonal festivities which just get bigger and better every year. The Theatre Royal is a special place for so many people, especially at Christmas. This year’s pantomime – the spectacular under-the-sea adventure The Little Mermaid - will attract thousands of theatregoers who will enjoy the new lighting together with visitors to the Christmas markets and the people of Newcastle.”