Howaymanay returns after sell-out debut

Thousands of revellers are set to welcome 2027 on Newcastle Quayside as the city’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration returns following a sell-out debut.

Howaymanay will transform the banks of the Tyne with live music, entertainment, food and drink, building towards a spectacular midnight fireworks display.

The ticketed celebration made its debut last year, attracting thousands of people and selling out ahead of New Year’s Eve.

Organisers are now building on that success with two stages of live music alongside roaming performers, street entertainment, bars and food operators.

Running from 8.30pm until 12.15am, the main event will build towards a fireworks display over the Tyne as 2026 draws to a close.

Howaymanay forms part of Newcastle’s Christmas programme, delivered and funded by Newcastle City Council and Newcastle NE1, and aims to establish a major city-centre New Year celebration around one of the region’s best-known locations.

Families will also be able to join the celebrations earlier in the evening, with a free fireworks display taking place on the Quayside at 6pm.

Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd, said: “Newcastle’s iconic Quayside provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the end of 2026 and welcome in the New Year and 2027 in style. 

“Thousands of enthusiastic New Year’s Eve revellers made last year’s sell-out Howaymanay celebrations an amazing night to remember, and we’re delighted to bring it back again this year with more live music, street entertainment and of course, fantastic midnight fireworks. 

“With the earlier free family-focused celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy, and the event cements Newcastle’s position as one of the top cities in the UK for New Year’s Eve celebrations.”

The main ticketed event is open to people aged eight and over, with under-16s required to be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets cost £8 plus a booking fee, with capacity limited. Last year’s inaugural celebration sold out by mid-December, and visitors are being encouraged to secure places early.

Three separate entrances will operate for the ticketed event at Sandhill/Guildhall, King Street and East Quayside/Millennium Bridge.

Visitors will be required to use the entrance selected when booking their tickets.

Food and drink operators will be located throughout the event site alongside the programme of music, entertainment and activities.

Organisers hope the return of Howaymanay will further establish Newcastle as a destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with the event’s ambition to create a city-centre spectacle capable of standing alongside established celebrations such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

Councillor Rob Austin, cabinet member for culture, communities and youth services at Newcastle City Council, added: “Newcastle has a cultural offer to be proud of, and after a fantastic and hugely successful first year, we’re delighted to see Howaymanay return for its second year.

“Our festive celebrations attract people from across the region and beyond, and we want to offer local people as well as the visitors we welcome a quality event and entertaining evening for everyone to enjoy. 

“We’re continuing to build on the success of the first year and improve the event year on year, helping to put Newcastle firmly on the map as a fantastic place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

“Bringing thousands of people together on our iconic Quayside, with live music, entertainment and a spectacular midnight fireworks display, will be a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the year and welcome in 2027.

“It’s also important that families can be part of the celebrations, which is why we’re pleased to be keeping the free 6pm fireworks, giving families the chance to enjoy a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration together earlier in the evening.”

Tickets for the main Howaymanay celebration are on sale now through TicketTailor.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.