Howaymanay will return to Newcastle's Quayside on New Year's Eve 2026, with live music, street performers, food and drink, and a firework finale, following the success of its debut last year. The event, which turned the Quayside into a playground as 2025 became 2026, was confirmed on Thursday morning, with tickets already on sale.
Last year's Howaymanay marked the first time midnight fireworks lit up the Tyne since before Covid, after bad weather thwarted plans at the end of 2024. Pubs and bars along the riverside were packed, and despite dropping temperatures, the atmosphere remained high as revellers saw in 2026.
What to expect on the night
On Thursday, December 31, the Tyne will again host a night of live music, entertainment, food, drink and fireworks. From 8.30pm, the Quayside becomes a ticket-only party zone with two stages of live music, roaming performers, street entertainment, bars and food operators, building towards midnight.
As 2026 comes to an end, a spectacular firework display will light up the Newcastle skyline, welcoming 2027. The main event runs from 8.30pm until 12.15am. Tickets cost £8 per person, the event is suitable for ages eight and over, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Entrances and family-friendly display
Howaymanay will have three separate entrances – at Sandhill/Guildhall, King Street and East Quayside/Millennium Bridge. Visitors must enter through the entrance selected when booking.
Prior to Howaymanay, a family-friendly fireworks celebration will take place at 6pm. This free display offers big fireworks, festive fun, and bedtime still achievable.
Councillor Rob Austin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Youth Services at Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle has a cultural offer to be proud of, and after a fantastic and hugely successful first year, we’re delighted to see Howaymanay return for its second year.
“Our festive celebrations attract people from across the region and beyond, and we want to offer local people as well as the visitors we welcome a quality event and entertaining evening for everyone to enjoy. We’re continuing to build on the success of the first year and improve the event year on year, helping to put Newcastle firmly on the map as a fantastic place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
“Bringing thousands of people together on our iconic Quayside, with live music, entertainment and a spectacular midnight fireworks display, will be a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the year and welcome in 2027.”
