Howaymanay

Howaymanay is Newcastle’s big New Year’s Eve celebration, taking over the iconic Quayside for one huge night of music, entertainment, food, drink and (of course!) fireworks. Expect live music across two stages, DJs, roaming performers, street entertainment, before the night culminates in a spectacular firework finale over the River Tyne at midnight

Howaymanay takes place on Thursday 31 December 2026, from 8.30pm until 12.15am. Last entry is 11pm

Yes. Howaymanay is a ticketed New Year’s Eve celebration on Newcastle Quayside, with limited capacity. Tickets are £8 plus booking fee, and advance booking is essential, as the event sold out last year

The event takes over Newcastle’s iconic Quayside, with the event footprint stretching along the riverside.

There are three dedicated entrances, and you must use the entrance selected when you booked your ticket. You will not be admitted through a different entrance. This helps us manage capacity and keep entry running smoothly

• Entrance A: Sandhill / Guildhall –///vines.reds.slides
• Entrance B: King Street - ///rips.supply.fight
• Entrance C: East Quayside / Millennium Bridge - ///dime.sticky.pads

Entry is only possible through the event entrance you selected when purchasing your ticket. If you arrive at the wrong entrance, don’t worry, our friendly event staff will be on hand to signpost you to the correct entrance.

Yes! Once inside the event footprint, you’re free to move around and enjoy the whole site. There are no set areas that you need to stay within.

No. There is no readmission once you leave the event. Please make sure you have everything you need before entering (you will be able to purchase food and drink inside and there will be toilets)

No. Food and drink cannot be brought into the event. There will be bars and food operators within the event, so you’ll have plenty of options once you’re inside. Operators will take both cash and card.

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.

Absolutely! A number of businesses will be operational throughout the night, but many do book up incredibly quicky.

Yes, but please keep it to what you genuinely need. Random bag checks will be in operation at the entrances, so travelling light will help you get into the event more quickly.

The event is suitable for ages 8yrs+. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult and require a ticket of their own.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve experience without staying up until midnight, head to Newcastle’s Quayside from 6pm for a free early-evening celebration, with festive entertainment, street food and a spectacular fireworks display. It’s designed with families and early birds in mind!

If you're using public transport, check directly with your transport provider before travelling. Services on New Year's Eve may run to reduced timetables or finish earlier than usual.

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.

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.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge will remain open until 10:30pm and will reopen after the midnight fireworks have finished.

Dogs are not permitted at Howaymanay, except for registered assistance animals.

Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable once purchased.

Howaymanay is an outdoor event, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Wrap up warm and come prepared for the Great British weather in December.

If you have any questions about Howaymanay, please contact Newcastle City Council’s Cultural Events Team via Howaymanay@newcastle.gov.uk

Howaymanay is part of Newcastle’s Christmas, delivered and funded by Newcastle City Council and Newcastle NE1.

The event takes place on Newcastle’s Quayside, which is wheelchair accessible.

If you are in possession of a Blue Badge parking permit and are driving to the event, please see the information about parking above to find the nearest Blue Badge parking.

Please bear in mind that there will be thousands of people, and the event will include loud music and fireworks. We therefore advise using your own judgement regarding individual needs.

Yes, there will be a number of accessible portable toilets positioned across the event site.

There is no designated quiet space at this event. If you have any concerns, or need support during your visit, please speak to a member of staff, who will be identifiable in high-visibility vests.

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.

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.