Everything You Need to Know About… Magic Weekend in Newcastle

What is Magic Weekend?

It’s an epic weekend of rugby that sees teams in the Betfred Super League travel to a city to compete in a series of six matches over two days.

The first Magic Weekend took place in Cardiff in 2007 and the tournament has since been played in cities across the UK including Edinburgh, Manchester and Liverpool. Newcastle has hosted Magic Weekend the most times, however, and 2025 will mark its ninth year in the city!

When is it happening?

Magic Weekend is taking place over the early May Bank Holiday weekend from Saturday 3^rd May to Sunday 4^th May 2025.

Where is it happening?

All Magic Weekend matches are taking place at St James’ Park.

Which rugby teams are competing?

Saturday 3^rd May kicks off with a match between Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons at 3pm and is followed by Hull KR v Salford Red Devils at 5:15pm before St Helens take on Leeds Rhinos at 7pm.

On Sunday 4^th May, the fun begins at 1pm with Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC before Wigan Warriors play against Wolverhampton Wolves at 3:15pm. The weekend closes out at 5:30pm when Castleford Tigers go head-to-head with Wakefield Trinity.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes, of course! Magic Weekend is fun for the whole family and kids of all ages are welcome, but under 13s must be accompanied by adult

How much are tickets and how do I book?

Prices start from £30 for adult day tickets and £45 for adult weekend tickets. Junior tickets for kids aged under 16 cost £15 (one day) or £22.50 (full weekend).

Concession tickets for attendees over the age of 65 and students with a valid ID are available from £22.50 and £34 (one day/weekend) and children under 2 c[email protected]sued a ticket free of charge.

To book tickets, visit the official Magic Weekend website and to reserve a ticket for under 2s email [email protected].

Can I come and go from the stadium?

Yep – a pass out/return system will be in operation on both days so that spectators can move freely to and from St James’ Park. There’s no limit to how many times attendees can leave and re-enter, but you’ll need to make sure you get your hand stamped for re-entry!

Will there be food and drink?

A range of snacks, soft drinks and alcohol will be available to purchase from stalls in the St James’ Park concourse areas and they’ll be more food and drink to enjoy in the official Magic Weekend Fan Zone.

What is the Magic Weekend Fan Zone and where is it located?

The fan zone is located at Strawberry Place just next to St James’ Park and alongside food and drink, there’ll be live entertainment, special guests, games, rides, competitions and merch stalls – so plenty of fun to be had even when you’re not watching a match!

What else is happening during Magic Weekend?

Tonnes! Alongside the six rugby matches, there’ll be exhibition games from the fan-favourite Learning Disability Super League and on-pitch performances from Join the Momentum dancers.

As Magic Weekend’s Sunday fixtures fall on 4^th May – aka Star Wars Day – this year will see the event’s first fancy dress competition where spectators are invited to embrace the Star Wars vibes with winners chosen by a fan vote. Whether you’re hamming it up as Han Solo, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Chewbacca or an Ewok - may the fourth be with you!

And finally, after each game, spectators will be able to vote for the Betfred Player of the Match – simply download the OurLeague app to have your say!

Magic Weekend takes place at St James’ Park from Saturday 3^rd May to Sunday 4^th May 2025. For more information and to book tickets visit the official Magic Weekend website.