Newcastle’s skyline will be illuminated once again this New Year as the spectacular show 'Laser Light City' returns.
The free display, which was held for the first time last year, is set to light up the Quayside and city to welcome in 2023. The choreographed laser displays will take place on the hour, every hour over three nights – from Friday, December 30, until Sunday, January 1, giving audiences 20 opportunities to come and experience the show.
Bafta award-winning artist, Seb Lee-Delisle has designed the display for Newcastle and has composed an original musical score to go alongside it.
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In addition to hourly choreographed shows, members of the public can get involved from 5pm each night by controlling the colours, patterns and movement of an array of high-powered lasers on the Tyne Bridge from their smartphone.
This year’s show will be even bigger than last, with over 80 lasers lighting up the area between the Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge. Newcastle City Council has advised visitors that the best vantage point to enjoy the event will be the Quayside, with the city’s bridges and buildings lit up by the lasers.
Councillor Lesley Storey, Cabinet member for A Vibrant City at Newcastle City Council, said: “The Laser Lights were so well received last year I am delighted that we are welcoming them back. It means we are able to offer an innovative and incredibly visual event in the city that is free to attend and open to everyone.
“It’s also great that the laser lights are a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to fireworks to support the city’s carbon zero ambitions, whilst also ensuring less noise pollution and being pet friendly too.
“And as the lights shows are happening at regular intervals over three days, it is such an accessible event. Families with young children will be able to visit the earlier shows, and those out celebrating New Year's Eve have something to enjoy as we welcome in 2023.”
NE1 Ltd has worked with Newcastle City Council to bring Laser Light City back once again. He said the show is expected to attract "tens of thousands of people" over the three nights.
Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1, said: "We are delighted to welcome the show’s return and can’t wait to celebrate it properly this year with the Quayside as the focus of the family-friendly fun.
“One of the joys of this event is that everyone can take part in their own time as the event extends over three nights with multiple opportunities to see the choreographed show and have fun controlling the lasers. This truly puts Newcastle on the map as one of the best places in the world to celebrate the New Year period.”
When can I see the display?
The laser light display will be held over three nights from Friday, December 30, until Sunday, December 1.
The hourly choreographed shows will run from 6pm to 11pm each night.
In addition to hourly choreographed shows from 5pm members of the public can get involved by controlling the colours, patterns and movement of an array of high-powered lasers on the Tyne Bridge from their smartphone.
What are the show times for each night?
Friday, December 30:
Shows each hour at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm.
New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31:
Shows each hour after at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm, 12.05am, and 1am.
New Year's Day, Sunday, January 1:
Shows each hour at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm.
Where is best place to watch the show?
Newcastle City Council says the best viewing area for the show is on the Quayside between the law courts and Millennium Bridge which will be clearly signposted each night.
Is it free and do I have to book?
The event is free to attend and open to everyone, with no booking necessary.
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