Newcastle’s amazing interactive light show Laser Light City is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to enjoy Seb Lee-Delisle's fantastic displays as well as watch your creations come to life too! Find out how to get involved in our Everything You Need To Know About Laser Light City article, and read on for all the practical (and fun!) info you need to plan your visit, or visits, and have a great time!
What are the times and dates of Laser Light City?
Laser Light City takes place on Friday 30th December from 5pm -11pm, Saturday 31st December from 5pm -1am and Sunday 1st January from 5pm -11pm.
Where is it taking place?
The action happens solely on the Quayside this year, and one of the best places to catch the stunning laser display is between the Law Courts and the Millennium Bridge, opposite HMS Calliope naval base, but there’s really no bad view as long as you're that side of the Tyne Bridge!
How do I get there on public transport?
The Metro runs as usual on Friday 30th, while on New Year’s Eve it’ll run a Saturday service until around 10pm, then every 30 minutes (15 minutes between Pelaw and Gosforth). There aren’t any Metros running on New Year’s Day.
On the buses, Stagecoach, Go North East and most Arriva services will be running a Saturday service on the Friday (30th), and until about 6pm on New Year’s Eve, then reduced services until 7.30pm when most buses will finish. There are no bus service on New Year’s Day.
On the trains, if you're coming in from further afield, Northern will operate normal services on Friday 30th and New Year’s Eve, with a reduced timetable from 7pm from the Saturday. There are no trains running on New Year’s Day.
How close are the Metro stations to the event?
To get to the Quayside walking from Manors it’s only 0.5 miles, from Central Station it’s 0.8 miles, from Monument it’s 0.7 miles, and from Haymarket bus station it’s 1 mile and from Gateshead Metro it’s 0.9 miles.
What about parking?
There are off-street car parks at Akenside Hill (NE1 3UF) off Queen Street, where the cost is £1.60 per hour from 8am - 7pm and close to the Swing Bridge (NE1 3RQ) you’ll find another car park charging £1.50 per hour from 8am-7pm.
At Forth Banks (NE1 3PN) it’s 80p per hour from 8am - 7pm. The Guildhall car park (NE1 3AF) is only open on Friday 30th and Sunday 1st and will be closed all day on Saturday 31st due to road closure in operation to support the Laser Light City event. Merchant’s House car park (NE1 1EE) is £1.30 per hour from 8am - 7pm.
Dean Street multi-storey car park (NE1 1PG) costs £1.80 per hour from 8am - 7pm, and the car park is open until midnight. At Manors (NE1 2BN), it’s £1.20 per hour or a flat all-day charge of £9 from 8am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and £3 all day on Sunday. It’s open from 8am - 10pm on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st, and 8am - 6pm on Sunday 1st.
The Quayside multi-storey (NE1 2AQ) is £1.20 per hour or £9 all day from 8am - 6pm Monday to Saturday, with a flat fee of £3 on Sunday 8am - 6pm. It’s open from 7am - midnight on Friday and Saturday.
We recommend visiting the Newcastle City Council website for a detailed run-down of car park locations, opening times and charges before planning your journey.
Where can I get take-away refreshments?
If you’d like to ‘grab and go’ and enjoy a bite to eat while watching the displays, head to I Scream For Pizza for tasty slices of New York-style pizza, warm dessert dishes (we love the Whey Aye Cherry Pie) with ice cream or an indulgent sundae. Nearby, the ever-reliable Greggs is on hand for hot and cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties and the all-important festive bake!
What about restaurant meals?
Before or after the show, why not make the most of the evening and head indoors for a cosy meal with family or friends? Casual eats include the likes of Hard Rock Cafe, where you’ll find American fare including legendary burgers and specialities like mac, chicken and cheese and BBQ combos. Near the Swing Bridge head for Italian favourite Sambuca, where hearty pasta and pizza dishes are the order of the day. Under the Tyne Bridge, there’s more Italian dining from the highly regarded Uno’s, where you’ll find a delicious a la carte menu, pizza, pasta, risotto and more.
For a proper treat, there are some great options for a special meal. Japanese restaurant Aveika is a stylish and contemporary space with delicious food and a sophisticated party atmosphere; while Khai Khai adds a touch of magic to their smoke-infused heritage Indian comfort food, prepared using fire and smoke! The buzzy Dobson & Parnell features a seasonal menu which includes locally sourced and beautifully cooked dishes with a real wow factor. Relative newcomer Chart House will take you on an exciting adventure through Mediterranean, Arabian and South China cuisine, complete with a stunning view of the river (and the lasers!) from their first floor bistro. The Broad Chare is the place to be for home-cooked pub food with seasonality and hearty British flavours at its heart - plus they have a great range of ales on tap for beer lovers. And over at the INNSiDE by Melia Hotel, Gino D’Acampo’s impressive Quayside location offers up authentic Italian food in a contemporary and relaxing atmosphere.
And how about a drink?
The Quayside’s nightlife scene is second to none in the city, and there’s a tipple for every pallet! The Pitcher & Piano’s location right in the heart of the action next to the Millennium Bridge makes it a great option and you’ll get a fantastic view of the display from their big windows while you sip a glass of wine, beer, or indulge in a cocktail. The Slug & Lettuce are renowned for their impressive cocktail menu and you’ll find all kinds of drinks packages and offers too. The Head of Steam is the place to be for craft beer and real ale lovers, with a vast array of tipples from around the world as well as cocktails, spirits and environmentally conscious wines.
Get a bird’s eye view of the display from The Vermont Hotel’s ABOVE rooftop terrace bar, where you can experience a view of the city unlike any other while enjoying live entertainment, stunning cocktails and an excellent wine list. If it’s a bit of a boogie you’re after, The Hooch is a fabulous and funky option that will soundtrack your evening with jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop and reggae while you enjoy fabulous views of the Quayside and an exclusive range of wines, spirits and signature cocktails (although on New Year’s Eve it’s open for bookings only between 6pm-1am, and 12pm-8pm on New Year’s Day). If you’re really looking to make a night of it, why not treat yourself to a room at The Copthorne and take full advantage of their Quay 7 Bar with its great range of beers, wines, cocktails and champagnes right on the waterfront?
Now you have everything you need to have an amazing night at Laser Light City, whenever you choose to go. Don’t forget you can control the lasers yourself from your smartphone too - just head to the official website to play along!
