Northern Lights hailed as a success as 100,000 visitors flocked to Newcastle city centre

Organisers of the Northern Lights trail, based in Leazes Park, have revealed that the event helped to attract 100,000 visitors to Newcastle city centre throughout the Christmas period.

The event, which ran from November 23 until January 1, featured 14 different immersive illuminations along a mile-long walking trail through the city centre park.

Curated by From The Fields, in conjunction with Urban Green Newcastle, Leazes Park was transformed to showcase the talents of local and national artists and creators.

As Northern Lights marks the end of its first year, Roxy Robinson, the event director, has thanked visitors for their positive feedback.

She said: "The whole team is overwhelmed with the support and positive feedback we've received from visitors following our first year of Northern Lights.

"Newcastle has welcomed us with open arms, and the warmth of the community has made this journey truly extraordinary.

"The enthusiasm from those who came along to see the trail has been nothing short of amazing."

Carol Pyrah, the chief executive of Urban Green Newcastle, highlighted that the light trail was a great way to celebrate 150 years since the opening of Leazes Park to the public.

She commented: "2023 was a very special year for Leazes Park as it marked 150 years since the park was first opened to the public.

"Northern Lights was a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone and showcase the city's first public park.

"Just as thousands of people would have flocked to Leazes Park when it opened in December 1873, last December saw more than 100,000 people enjoy the amazing spectacle that was Northern Lights.”

The Northern Lights event also gave back to the local community by launching a fundraiser to revitalise the children's playpark by matching all donations made by ticket buyers.

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As a result, it has helped to raise almost £6,000 to help restore and repair the play park equipment in Leazes Park - with more donations still be be expected.

Northern Lights also partnered with the children's ward at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) to create the 'Luminary Lane'.

This saw 80 pieces of artwork, crafted by young patients, projected onto the paths of the light trail.

Organisers have confirmed that news for 2024 will be coming soon, with updates available at: https://northernlightsnewcastle.com/.