New Year's Eve 2023: 11 Amazing Events in Newcastle
Our round-up of some of the very best ways to see in the New Year in Newcastle
Whether 2023 has been a classic year full of good fortune and happiness, or whether it’s a year you’ll be happy to see the back off, there’s definitely something to celebrate.
Often the best New Year’s Eves need some planning to make sure you aren’t stuck on a bus or in a queue at the stroke of midnight, so we’ve selected a few New Year’s Eve events in the city that might be just what you need to usher in an excellent 2024.
Laser Light City @ Newcastle’s Quayside
This is the third Laser Light City event to take place on the Quayside, and this year it’s a little different: instead of a series of displays over several days, there will be just three BIG performances on New Year’s Eve itself, at 6pm, 9pm and of course at midnight. Each 12-minute show will see artist Seb Lee-Delisle use lasers, lighting and pyrotechnics to light up the iconic Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art - all accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack. There's tonnes more happening on the Quayside too with street performers, musicians and entertainers adding to the fun. And best of all, it’s completely free!
Come Wine With Me: New Year’s Eve Wine Tasting @ Blackfriars
The Blackfriars legendary NYE medieval banquet is sold out, but never mind – you could still enjoy some New Year’s Eve luxury at their wine tasting event. Costing £35 per head and running from 7 to 9pm (so you could still head down to the Quayside after!), you’re invited to try a variety of wines from all over the world, as well as some snacks and a glass of mulled wine at the close - all this in the remarkably atmospheric environs of this ancient building too.
The Whole Hogmanay @ Wylam Brewery
Wylam Brewery's legendary New Year's Eve celebration returns this year to help you ring in the new year with tasty food, great drinks, and music. Alongside a hog roast, there'll be a whole host of street food vendors, fire pits to keep you cosy, a gin palace, amazing beers (it is a brewery, after all!) and DJs spinning dance-worthy tracks - all topped off with fireworks at midnight!
New Year Specials @ The Stand
The Stand always pulls off something special for New Year’s Eve and this year is no exception. Their New Year’s Eve Special show this year features host Lee Kyle and acclaimed stand-ups Anth Young, Lauren Pattinson and headliner Jo Caulfield. Tickets are £30 for this two-hours-plus-intervals show.
Black & Gold New Year’s Eve Ball @ The Vermont Hotel
The Vermont Hotel is saying farewell to 2023 with their annual Black & Gold New Year’s Eve Ball, a chance to get dressed up and party down in a lavish setting. From a glass of fizz on arrival 'til the last notes played by the resident DJ, you know you’ll be well looked after. There’s a magician, canapes and a three-course meal, and it runs until 1am. The dress code is black tie and tickets are £89 per head.
The Greatest Show – Kids’ NYE Special @ Purple Peacock
Purple Peacock really goes all out at Christmas, but among all the adult-oriented events they’ve found time to put something special together for the kids. Britain’s Got Talent winner Matt Pagan is hosting a special version of his acclaimed Greatest Show spectacular which combines all the delights of that show with some kiddy-focused extras. There’ll be dancers, clowns, a magician and an aerial artist performing, as well as treats like a popcorn machine and a photo booth. Tickets are £20 per child and £35 per adult and there are various meal and drinks options available too.
Happy New Quee-Year 2024-D @ Alphabetti Theatre
Alphabetti Theatre New Year’s Eve event is the elaborately titled Happy New Quee-Year 2024-D, a cabaret night with a difference! It’s hosted by the magnificent Mack and Mama Rhi and promises to be a night of alternative cabaret with strong nerd tendencies. From burlesque and comedy to lip sync, this queer and LGBTQIA+ allies event will be full of fun, music, satire and sexiness. Tickets are £10, although there are options if you’re feeling the pinch, and there’ll be a party in the bar till 2.30am after the show.
Tamla Motown & Soul Party @ Tyneside Irish Centre
Tyneside Irish Centre always knows how to throw a party, especially for something like New Year’s Eve. This year it’s a Tamla Motown and soul extravaganza - an excellent excuse to get on the good foot to some classic soul stompers. It runs till 1am and the tickets are £10, which includes a buffet.
The Botanist’s Big NYE Bash @ The Botanist
The Botanist has all sorts of fun happening all day on December 31st. There’s the option of enjoying unlimited drinks with a main course for just £25 until 7pm, and then from 8pm it’s time for their big bash. Tickets are £15 per head and this gets you a cocktail on arrival, live music and fizz at midnight.
NYE Bottomless Brunch & Butterfly Ball @ Slug & Lettuce Quayside
Quayside institution the Slug & Lettuce also has lots going on for New Year’s Eve. For the whole day – up till 9pm – there’s a Bottomless Brunch, a great opportunity to eat, drink and be merry for that evening’s Butterfly Ball which starts at 9pm. Butterfly Ball ticket include a Botanical Bombshell cocktail, a goodie bag and a fantastic night of New Year’s Eve fun. Check the website for prices and booking details.
Bongo’s Bingo presents Bongo’s Will Rock You @ Boiler Shop
The Boiler Shop hosted myriad Bongo’s Bingo events over 2023 so it seems apt to let them close out the year too. Bongo’s Will Rock You is a Freddie Mercury-themed event, so the show will be full of Queen hits, rock classics and of course some Christmas bangers too. There’ll be singalongs, dance offs and prizes (including cash!). All this plus bingo too, of course, so ready your dabbers and get down to the Boiler Shop to see out the year. Tickets are from £20 and things get going at 7pm!
Most bars and venues have something special to offer on the last night of the year, so the centre of Newcastle is bound to be one big party. We’ve offered a selection of superb events but wherever you end up, have an excellent evening!
