Everything You Need to Know About: Newcastle's New Year's Eve Howaymanay

What is Howaymanay? 

Howaymanay is a brand-new New Year’s Eve event, set to be the city’s biggest celebration. There’ll be live music, roaming performers, and a lively mix of food stalls and bars to enjoy. That’s not forgetting the main event – a fantastic firework finale to light up the Quayside.

The party village will be ticket-only from 8:30pm, but there’ll also be a free firework display for families earlier in the evening at 6pm, so no-one has to miss out on the fun!

Where are the firework displays happening?

The displays will be taking place on Newcastle’s iconic Quayside on Wednesday 31^st December 2025.

Where is the best place to see them from?

For the best view of the fireworks, you’ll want tickets to Howaymanay! This designated viewing area will be right by the riverfront, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.

What time are the displays taking place?

The first display will be taking place at 6pm, making it perfect for families, or anyone who just fancies celebrating a little earlier! This one’s also free, with no booking required, so you’re welcome to just rock up and enjoy the show.

From 8:30pm, Newcastle’s Quayside will become a ticketed space and come alive with high-energy entertainment, and an infectiously good atmosphere. The second display will start just as the clock strikes midnight, kickstarting 2026 with an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Image: Low-angle Photo of Fireworks by rovenimages.com via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels Licence

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets to the 6pm fireworks display are completely free, and require no pre-booking. At 8:30pm, the area from Sandhill at the Guildhall, to Sandgate in front of the Law Courts will be ticketed. These cost £6 each, and can be purchased here. Please note there are 3 separate entrance points so make sure to take note of your entry point when buying your tickets.

Does the whole family need tickets or just adults?

If you’d like to bring the whole family down for the Howaymanay celebrations (starting from 8:30pm), then everyone will need a ticket, regardless of their age. Please note that the entertainment in the ticketed area won’t really be suitable for children, so if you’d like to bring the kids along, then we’d recommend coming along to the free 6pm fireworks show instead. For teens, under 14's must be accompanied by an adult.

What else is happening on the Quayside on New Year’s Eve?

As part of the Howaymanay party, there’ll be loads of exciting entertainment to enjoy! Live music across two stages and roaming performers along the streets will help to create an unmatched atmosphere, while a vibrant mix of food stalls and lively bars will help keep energies high.

Where can I get food and drink nearby?

There'll be plenty of opportunities to grab a bite to eat once you're inside the ticketed event space - but if you'd rather eat earlier, then there's loads of great restaurants and bars on and near the Quayside to keep you fed and watered.

Redhouse and Sambuca are great family-friendly options if heading out with little ones for the 6pm show while I Scream for Pizza and Greggs are perfect for a quick bite on the go.

For a fancy sit-down meal, why not pre-book a table at DOOD, Malmaison or Victors? Some even offer special New Years Eve menus, so it’s worth taking a look if you fancy something special!

Just drinks you’re after? The Quayside is your oyster with bars and pubs including The Head of Steam, Pitcher & Piano, The Broad Chare, Tiger Hornsby, The Hooch and Slug & Lettuce all just a stone’s throw from the action. Many serve food and bar nibbles too, just in case you do get peckish!

Image: Fireworks Photo by Peter Spencer via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels Licence

Where can I park?

There are several car parks within walking distance including Dean Street Multi-Storey Car Park, Manors Multi-Storey Car Park, Spillers Car Park and the Quayside Multi-Storey Car Park.

Opening hours and prices will vary, so make sure to check the Newcastle City Council parking website for all opening times and charges during the festive season.

Please note that there will be road closures in place impacting the Quayside, King Street, Lombard Street, Broad Chare. Further details for these will be released closer to the time.

Where is the closest Metro station?

Central Station, Manors and Monument are all within a 15-20 walk of the Quayside but keep in mind that Metro usually runs a revised weekday service on New Year’s Eve.

Can I travel in by bus?

Newcastle city centre is well served by several bus routes with stops all within walking distance of the Quayside, but bus companies are likely to be running a reduced service on New Year’s Eve. Some may also depart from different bus stops due to road closures.

Check out the New Year’s Eve timetables for Go North East, Stagecoach and Arriva buses before heading into the city.

We can’t wait to see the firework displays return to Newcastle’s iconic riverside and can’t think of a more spectacular way to ring in the New Year – see you on the Quayside!

Newcastle’s Howaymanay take place at 6pm and midnight on Wednesday 31^st December 2025 at the Quayside. For more information and to book tickets for the party village visit www.fatsoma.com/p/nclchristmas.

Main image: Photo of Fireworks during Nighttime by Miguel Acosta via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels License

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