Where can I ring in new year in the North East?

30 December 2025

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

News image — The annual Allendale Tar Bar'l parade will take place from 23:00

PA Media Men, known as guisers, carry burning whisky barrels on their heads through the streets during the Allendale Tar Barrels Parade. They are dressed in a variety of ways, some with colourful mexican ponchos and sombreros, others in white overalls and green wigs, or bow tie, gilet and animal mask. — The annual Allendale Tar Bar'l parade will take place from 23:00

People across the North East are gearing up to welcome 2026 in style.

From honouring old traditions with the Allendale Tar Bar'l fire ceremony to fireworks by the river in Newcastle, there are free events on offer to keep everyone entertained on New Year's Eve.

Sunderland is holding free fireworks displays with X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing star Fleur East taking to the stage at Keel Square.

Celebrations start with children's activities from 15:00 GMT, followed by a community parade over Keel Crossing and DJ sets.

A first firework display is planned for 18:30, with a second one to mark the countdown to 2026 at midnight.

St Mary's Boulevard will be closed from 00:01 on 31 December until 06:00 on 1 January.

Fire festival

An unusual parade - for those not in the know - will take place as per tradition in Allendale's town centre from 23:00.

The Allendale Tar Bar'l fire festival sees 45 men carrying whiskey barrels filled with burning tar, as part of a procession held for at least 160 years in the Northumberland town.

Dressed in fancy dress or disguises, the men use the barrels to ignite a ceremonial bonfire as the crowds shout "be damned to he who throws last".

The event is free to attend.

Thousands are expected to flock to Newcastle for Howaymanay - a Geordie take on Edinburgh's New Year's Eve party.

Newcastle City Council Fireworks exploding in the night sky over the Gateshead quayside, above the Tyne Bridge. In the background, the illuminated Millennium bridge is visible over the river Tyne, as is the Newcastle quayside, packed with crowds. — The first display on the Quayside will be free to attend

Organised by Newcastle City Council and Newcastle NE1, the evening kicks off with a free family-friendly event on the Quayside and a firework display at 18:00 GMT.

A ticketed event with live bands and DJs starts from 20:30, with a further firework display to end the celebrations.

A new race is also being held in the city on New Year's Eve at 19:00.

The 5k run starts and finishes at the Civic Centre and is open to people aged over 11.

RNLI Seahouses will be serving free refreshments from 17:00, ahead of the firework display at Seahouses Harbour at 18:00.

The event is free to attend and donations to the event and RNLI volunteers are welcome on the day, organisers say.

Elsewhere, Darlington Market will host a children's party between 16:00 to 19:00.

The free event includes a disco, games and an early countdown to the new year.

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