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 Thursday 31^st December 2026.

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 2027 with an awe-inspiring spectacle.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets to the 6pm fireworks display are completely free, and require no pre-booking. At 8:30pm, Newcastle Quayside will be ticketed. These cost £8 (plus booking fee) each and are available to but via the official Newcastle's Christmas website.

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 is suitable for ages 8+, so if you’d like to bring the bairns 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, and require a paid for ticket.

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 from 8.30pm! Live music 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.

How do ticket holders enter the site?

There are three entry points for ticket holders and your ticket will show which entry point you should use - either Sandhill Road (beside the Guildhall), King Street (at the junction of Queen Street) or East Quayside Development Land (next to Pitcher & Piano).

Can I leave and come back in?

No. There is no readmission once you leave the event. Please make sure you have everything you need before entering.

Will there be toilets?

Yes. There will be toilets located throughout the event site including accessible toilets and designated baby changing toilets. Please use the event toilets rather than trying to use toilets inside nearby Quayside businesses, which are for their customers.

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 including tasty food from vendors.

However, 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!

Where can I park?

Parking is available in public car parks across Newcastle city centre and Gateshead town centre. You can find the nearest car parks using Parkopedia or visiting Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council websites. Please check opening hours before you travel, as some car parks may close before midnight.

If you decide to park in Gateshead, please be aware that Gateshead Millennium Bridge will close at 10:30pm and access across the bridge from this time will not be possible.

Will there be road closures?

Some road closures will be in effect to accommodate the event. Full road closures and travel information will be provided closer to the event and made available at the Council's NY Events travel information page.

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.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The event will go ahead in most weathers and is unlikely to be cancelled in bad weather such as rain or light winds. Please ensure you are dressed for the weather, and if it does rains, we suggest wearing waterproofs and not bringing umbrellas, which may block the view of others.

In the event of severe weather, such as storms or high winds, please check Newcastle’s Christmas social media channels in the first instance, where we will share up to date information and guidance, on the day and before you travel.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel, ticketholders will be contracted via email and notices will be posted via Newcastle’s Christmas social channels and on the website. Please check these areas before you travel, if you are concerned.

What if I'm not going to Howaymanay but have a booking at a venue within the event site?

If you have a booking at a venue in the Howaymanay event area, please contact the venue directly about access.

Who do I contact if I have a question about the event?

If you have any questions about Howaymanay, please contact Newcastle City Council’s Cultural Events Team via [email protected]

We can’t wait to see Howaymanay 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 Thursday 31^st December 2026 at the Quayside. Tickets are available to purchase at www.newcastleschristmas.com/howaymanay

Main image: Howaymanay 2025

Want to be in the know about everything that’s happening in Newcastle city centre? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.