Everything You Need to Know About … Laser Light City
Our guide to making the most of New Year's Eve at the spectacular Laser Light City show on the Quayside
Once again, the city is celebrating the new year in style with the amazing Laser Light City which returns to the city for its third year.
There’ll be three astonishing shows during the course of New Year’s Eve that will turn the Quayside into a visual spectacle like nothing before. We’ve gathered together all the details you need to make sure you get the most out of the event and have a stunning, illuminated end to the year!
What is Laser Light City?
Laser Light City is an awe-inspiring light and music show designed by BAFTA-award-winning artist Seb Lee-Delisle and supported by Newcastle City Council and NE1 that will see a whole host of lasers, lighting and pyrotechnics projected onto the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and accompanied by a hypnotic soundtrack created specifically for the event.
This year, rather than spreading the event over three days, Laser Light City will be all about New Year’s Eve and artist / musician Lee-Delisle will be setting the skies alight three times during the evening. It promises to be even more spectacular than before so make sure you find a great spot to gasp in wonder.
When is it happening?
This year, the whole event is focused on New Year’s Eve - Sunday 31st December – with three spectacular shows at 6pm, 9pm and – of course – at midnight, with the lasers and music combining to build to a huge visual and sonic crescendo!
Is it free?
Yes, it’s completely free to attend!
Who is it for?
Everyone can enjoy Laser Light City, with completely free access to the Quayside and what promises to be a wonderful atmosphere. The experience is accessible to all – even your pet pooch! Bring the kids, attend with family or grab your gang and head down together. With three performances across the evening, it’s easy to fit this into the rest of your plans for a fabulous New Year’s Eve in Newcastle.
Where’s the best place to watch?
For a prime view of all the dazzling action, the best place to stand is directly on the Newcastle side of the river directly opposite the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts.
Where can I park?
The Quayside is well served by car parks, with notable sites being at Akenside Hill (NE1 3UF), and by the Swing Bridge (NE1 3RQ), Forth Banks (NE1 3PN), Guildhall (NE1 3AF), Merchant’s House car park (NE1 1EE), Dean Street multi-storey car park (NE1 1PG), Manors (NE1 2BN) and finally Quayside multi-storey (NE1 2AQ).
Opening hours and prices vary so do check the Newcastle City Council parking website for all the details you’ll need to plan ahead.
Where is the closest Metro station?
Getting to the Quayside on the Metro is a great option, and there are several stations less than a mile away. Manors is the nearest - it’s only 0.5 miles walk, whereas from Central Station it’s 0.8 miles, from Monument it’s 0.7 miles, from Haymarket it’s 1 mile and from Gateshead Metro it’s 0.9 miles. The Metro will probably be running a reduced service so do check a timetable before you set out.
What else is happening?
The Quayside is always a magical place to hang out and NE1 and Newcastle Council are going to even greater lengths to make it a party atmosphere in the area whilst the lasers are on. As well as the three stunning laser shows during the evening, there will be street performers, bands and entertainers across Quayside, guaranteeing an evening full of fun for all.
Where can I get food and drink nearby?
The Quayside is thronging with great bars, restaurants and takeaways so whether you want make Laser Light City part of a night with a fabulous meal and a few drinks, or just fancy grabbing something on the go to warm you up, there are plenty of options.
If you're heading out with the kids, Hard Rock Café and Sambuca are great family-friendly dining options while I Scream For Pizza offers tasty grub on the go with something for everyone.
Making a night of it? Why not grab some drinks at a Quayside bar like The Hooch, Tiger Hornsby or the Quayside branch of The Head of Steam? There's some top-class cuisine in the area too - from British food at The Broad Chare and Asian fusion eats at Victors to fine Italian fare at Gino D'Acampo and a Spice Route-inspired menu at Chart House. Lots of restaurants have special New Year's Eve menus too and Gusto are offering takeaway pizzas and pasta.
New Year’s Eve 2023 is going to be a big one, nowhere more so than on the Quayside thanks to Laser Light City. With a little planning you and your friends or family could enjoy a great meal and some drinks and then a phenomenal audio-visual sensation on the banks of the Tyne - a really special and exciting way to welcome in 2024 with a bang in Newcastle!
