As December is here and Christmas quickly approaches, thoughts are already turning to how to ring in the New Year. This year, Newcastle is preparing to welcome 2026 in a brand-new way, as the city’s very own Howaymanay celebration comes to the Quayside for the first time.
With tickets selling fast – 80% have been sold already, organisers have released more details about what visitors can look forward to on the night.
Howaymanay, delivered by Newcastle City Council and Newcastle NE1, promises to be the perfect finale to the festive season – an evening packed with live entertainment, vibrant performances and spectacular displays that capture the spirit of the city. Inspired by Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay but reimagined with a distinctly Geordie twist, the event brings something fresh, bold and uniquely Newcastle to New Year’s Eve.
The night will build towards a breathtaking midnight firework display over the Tyne, with ticket holders enjoying exclusive entertainment from 8:30pm onwards – and the very best views of the show.
The entertainment has been handpicked to ensure variety, fun, quirkiness and a real touch of local charm. Some of the highlights to look out for will include:
- Father Howaymanay - He’s travelled all the way from Hogmanay to see how the Geordies do it, and eager to soak up local customs, meet the crowds and join in the celebrations with his own festive flair.
- Spark! The world-class performance group that seamlessly blends high-impact drumming, dynamic choreography, stunning lighting design, and beautiful costumes.
- Rimski’s Piano – The enchanting duo Rimski and Handkerchief return with their extraordinary musical creations, including the whimsical ‘double bassical’ and the much-loved bicycle piano, delivering roaming performances that captivate and delight the crowds.
- Street Singers – Bursting with true busker energy, this lively group will lead a knees-up singalong along the Quayside. Expect Geordie favourites, classic singalong hits, and plenty of chances for the audience to join in.
- Moving Parts – Presenting a brand-new commission, Magpies: Two for Joy. These giant lantern puppets will swoop, perch, and weave their way through the crowds, creating magical moments across the Quayside.
- Storm in a Teacup – Watch their stunning Glow Angels glide high above the crowds, filling the night with ethereal light, height, and dreamlike beauty as they move through the event.
- Groove and Glow – A dazzling, glowing disco on wheels, inviting eventgoers of all ages to dance along to timeless disco hits and light up the night together.
Alongside the roving performers bringing the streets to life, two stages will feature live music, bands, and local DJs, keeping the crowds entertained throughout the evening.
Visitors can also stop by the Studio Social, Howaymanay’s very own free photobooth experience, to capture the perfect memento from this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, and indulge in a fantastic array of food and drink available from stalls across the whole event area, with local favourites Acropolis, Redhead’s Mac and Cheese, Zenobia and Dipping Donuts amongst others serving up their ever-popular fayre and complementing fantastic hospitality offerings already available on the Quayside.
For those wanting dinner and drinks, the usual bars, pubs and restaurants will be open, but bookings will be essential. Anyone with a booking at a venue inside the event area will be granted access to the venue through the Howaymanay entry points by means of a Guest list. If you have a booking at one of these venues, the venue will be providing the event organisers with the name of the lead party on the booking, so no action is required.
Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet member for Culture, Music and Arts at Newcastle City Council said: “Plans for Howaymanay have really come to life, and visitors are in for something very special. A huge amount of work has gone into creating an event that feels truly unique to Newcastle – a night full of energy, entertainment and that unmistakable Geordie spirit.
“We’re excited for Howaymanay to become a standout moment in our city’s events calendar, one that we can continue to grow sustainably year after year and build into a much-loved local tradition.
“And of course, we’re also inviting everyone to enjoy the free 6pm stand-alone firework display – perfect for families and for those who prefer to celebrate with a traditional firework display a little earlier as we look ahead to 2026 together.”
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: “Newcastle’s first-ever Howaymanay will be a spectacular finale to the city’s festive season and an unforgettable way to welcome 2026. Excitement is building, and tickets are selling fast. This new Geordie tradition is set to put Newcastle firmly on the map for unforgettable end-of-year celebrations. A free 6pm firework display for families and early revellers will set the tone for the exciting night ahead. Happy Howaymanay.”
The ticketed area for Howaymanay will run from Sandhill, at the Guildhall, to Sandgate in front of the Law Courts, with three designated entry points. Visitors are advised to take note of these locations, as access will be restricted to these points only. Please also note there will be no access via the Millennium Bridge.
Individual tickets are required for everyone attending the event; group bookings are not available. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. As the ticketed event is not suitable for young children, families are encouraged to enjoy the free 6pm firework display, which does not require a ticket.
Tickets for Howaymanay are on sale here. Capacity to the event will be limited, so advance tickets are essential. No tickets will be required for the 6pm firework display.
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