Super League Rugby's Magic Weekend thought to bring up to £9 million into Newcastle's economy

More than 64,000 fans attended across the weekend, an increase of more than 10,000 from last year when the event was hosted in Leeds. Sunday’s crowd hit 32,862, beating the previous end-of-week best of 30,793 set at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium in 2013.

Newcastle has hosted four of the most successful events in Magic Weekend’s history, and while economic impact figures for last weekend’s event are still being calculated, in previous years Magic Weekend has generated between between £6 and £9 million for Newcastle’s local economy, with shops, bars, hotels and restaurants all busy over the two-day event.

Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet Member for Culture, Music and Arts, said: “We were delighted to welcome more than 64,000 fans to St James’ Park across the two days of the Magic Weekend, and many more to the city itself.

“It was fantastic to hear that the event saw it biggest ever attendance on a Sunday, with everyone making the most of the Geordie hospitality on offer.

“The whole city was buzzing, with young and old enjoying the fanzone outside St James’ Park, and it showed that we are the city of the North, a city that continues to host significant events successfully.

“It was brilliant to once again showcase Newcastle on the national stage, helping bring in over £10 million to local businesses.”

“We were very proud to host this event again, and hope we can work with our partners to bring it back again in the future.”

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Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd, added: “What an amazing weekend! We are always delighted to welcome Magic Weekend back to Newcastle, and this year’s record attendance figures prove that supporters love coming here.

“Magic Weekend’s unique carnival-style atmosphere spills out of the stadium and fills the city. The fans deserve immense credit—they are a true asset to the sport and are warmly welcomed in Newcastle."

“We love the fancy dress, the good-hearted, friendly rivalry and all the action both on and off the pitch, and look forward to hosting Magic Weekend in the future.”

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