New Year's events cancelled due to poor weather

Purple, red and blue fireworks explode over the Sage Gateshead, a large glass building alongside the River Tyne.
Two firework displays were due to be held on the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside [Getty Images]

Severe weather warnings have led to the cancellation of events organised to celebrate the new year in the North East and Cumbria.

Firework displays on Tuesday night in Newcastle and Gateshead, and a New Year's Day 'dip' in Derwentwater are among the events that will not go ahead as planned.

A yellow warning for wind is in place until 23:00 GMT on Tuesday, with the Met Office urging people to take care.

Organisers of the impacted public gatherings say they are not willing to risk the safety of those hoping to attend, or implementing, their events.

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said strong and gusty winds meant it was too risky to go ahead with two fireworks shows which were due to take place on the Quayside.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said it was a "tough" decision, but "safety always comes first", adding: "We hope everyone can still find ways to safely welcome 2025 with family and friends."

The council spokesman said: "The forecast has made it clear that continuing would pose risks to those attending, as well as our event teams working on-site.

"We understand how disappointing this news will be for both residents and visitors, including those who've travelled to our city."

'Safety is paramount'

Elsewhere, hundreds of people were expected to take part in the third annual New Year's Day Dip in Derwentwater.

Organisers at the Lake District Calvert Trust said the safety of staff and participants was "paramount" as they confirmed the event's cancellation and pledged that it would return next year "with bells on".

ADVERTISEMENT

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

More like this story

Related internet links