The scene is set - and the sun starting to make an appearance - as outdoor beer garden Central Park prepares to welcome its first customers.
The pop-up which has been taking shape over the past few weeks in Newcastle's Times Square will be open for business from Thursday tea-time and is fully prepared for a busy Easter weekend. The container set-up is bigger than last year, when it made its debut, and capacity has increased from 500 to 2,000 people.
On Wednesday, The Chronicle was invited for a first look at what's in store and the transformed space revealed a garden created from fake grass and potted palms - plus an orange 'Aperol'' tree - filled with orange parasols, a beach-theme seating area with sand and deckchairs and lots of sunshine colours to create a summer vibe. New this year is an extended upper level: a mezzanine floor with VIP seating and a separate bar, both with wide views over the main 'park'.
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For co-organiser Mike Hesketh, this the end-result of months of planning and hard work - and now it's party time. Central Park will be open daily throughout the spring and summer with a programme of entertainment including live music; DJ sets; Kroud Karaoke; a Eurovision night and big screen sports.
The main bar stretches the length of the ground-floor space where there's a VIP toilet block at one end and, at the other, the stage, which has the big screen at the back. There are heaters and speakers dotted around and, showing off the "new upgraded Central Park", Mike said: "We've fire pits this year as well and a Cazabel bar, also serving ice slushies and frozen margaritas, which is part of a new area."
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An undercover wooden street food court is all ready for action, with outlets for local favourites Brack Burger, Acropolis, and Gingerino’s pizzas where final preparations were being made on Wednesday to the recently-installed pizza oven. It's also kitted out with bench seating, TV screens, flag bunting and fairy lights.
From Thursday's launch, Central Park will be running until August 21 and walk-ins are welcome but it is advisable to book tickets in advance for events which are set to sell-out fast: see online here.
