For the second year running, Newcastle will see in the New Year under a dazzling showcase of lasers. Again, like last year, there will also be no official fireworks display.
Last year, the official displays were cancelled over fears of rising Covid-19 cases, with organisers keen to avoid big crowds. At the time, Newcastle City Council said that, “we have a duty of care to minimise transmission and keep people safe”.
Instead, the city watched the first Laser Light City display light up the skies over the River Tyne. This year, with Covid restrictions eased, many hoped that the annual fireworks display over the Tyne would return.
Read more: Newcastle laser light show times - when and where to watch New Year display
However, organisers have made the decision to stop the display and instead go forward with just the laser show, which is said to be safer and more environmentally friendly. The decision will also please the growing number of voices that have expressed concern over the effect that fireworks have on pets.
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.”
She added: “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.”
The Laser light show will run from Friday December 30 to Sunday January first. Interactive elements will run from 5pm to 11pm with laser light displays on the hour every hour from 6pm to 11pm with additional shows at 12.05am and 1am on January 1 to celebrate the New Year.
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