‘Spectacular’ light show to be held on the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside to mark the King’s coronation

On Sunday, May 7, Gateshead Council is hosting a celebration on the evening of the Windsor Castle Concert to give residents and visitors in the area the opportunity to gather at Baltic Square and watch the concert on a big screen.

Those coming along to the event, which starts at 7pm, are encouraged to bring their own deck chairs and picnics to enjoy the celebrations.

Gateshead Council has stated that it is a family-friendly event which aims to bring the party atmosphere from London to the banks of the River Tyne.

On two occasions throughout the evening, the Millennium Bridge, the Tyne Bridge and Swing Bridge will be lit up for a ‘spectacular’ light show.

Visitors to the event will also have the opportunity to be part of the show with light-up wristbands, which are free and will be allocated to those who register online first.

Any remaining wristbands will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis on Sunday night.

Sheila Ramsey Chief Executive of Gateshead Council “We are delighted that the BBC has chosen Gateshead as a venue to host a Coronation celebration event.

“We’d like to thank the BBC for their support in arranging this event for local residents.

“We have real talent in Gateshead which will be showcased by students at Gateshead College during once in a lifetime performance.

“This is an opportunity for friends, family and loved ones to come together and create memories which will last a lifetime as they celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.”

As well as the light shows and the concert being broadcast on the big screen, students from Gatehead College’s performing arts courses will be providing entertainment to guests over the course of the evening.

Deni Chambers, Director of Curriculum and Skills at Gateshead College, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be involved in bringing our community together for what’s set to be a spectacular evening.

“This is an amazing opportunity for our students to perform as part of the coronation celebrations; it’s a show they’ll never forget.”

Gateshead Council has confirmed that the Baltic Contemporary Arts Centre will be open during the evening to provide essential facilities, including accessible toilets.

A range of hot and cold drinks, plus pre-packaged snacks will also be served at the venue.

Last week, Newcastle City Council announced that the Coronation of King Charles III will be broadcast on a big screen in Times Square on Saturday, May 6.

The local authority also confirmed that it will be broadcasting the Coronation Concert in the same location on the Sunday evening.

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