Newcastle's St James' Park switched football for rugby this weekend as it played host to the Rugby Super League's Magic Weekend.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the city over the weekend to enjoy one of the six games to be held at the ground throughout Saturday and Sunday.
And while the first game, Salford Red Devils vs Hull KR, kicked off at 1.30pm, people had already headed to St James' Park hours before the game to soak up the incredible atmosphere in the Toon.
Read more: Everything you need to know about 2023's Magic Weekend at St James' Park
The Malloy family - Louise, Wayne, Declan, aged eight, and Daisy, aged four - attend Magic Weekend every year and said the atmosphere in Newcastle is always "brilliant" . Mum Louise said: "The whole day is brilliant. All the fans mingle and have a laugh. And every time we come up here the weather is amazing."
"It's a great family-friendly day for everyone," the Wigan supporter added.
Inside the fan zone on Strawberry Place there was children's rides, a brass band, singers, food trucks and even the Betfred Super League trophy on display to keep fans entertained.
Collin Goldthorpe and Colin Taylor were among the many rugby fans to have their photograph taken next to the trophy. The St Helens supporters chanted "five in a row" as they were pictured, referring to their team winning the Super League for the last four years.
Speaking to ChronicleLive Collin Goldthorpe said he loves coming to Newcastle for the "fantastic atmosphere." While Colin Taylor added: "There's always some great banter and everyone is really friendly. We love it."
And their comments were echoed a group of Hull FC supporters who had headed to the fan zone in fancy dress to enjoy a few drinks outside The Strawberry before their team's game tomorrow.
Asked what they love about the rugby, they said: "All the fans get on and there's never any trouble, there's just great banter."
"And we love Newcastle too. It's always a great laugh and the people are really friendly. And The Strawberry is the best place too, we love it," they added.
The first of three games kicked of at 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon, with another two taking place at St James' Park. Catalan Dragons took on Wigan Warriors at 3.45pm and the final game on Saturday between Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers will take place at 6pm.
And the weekend of action will continue on Sunday with Wakefield Trinity taking on Leigh Leopards at 12pm, St Helens playing Huddersfield Giants at 2.15pm and Hull FC vs Warrington Wolves at 4.30pm.
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