From fiery traditions to wheelbarrow racing, there’s a lot of fun ways to welcome in the New Year. Here’s a list of nine events or traditions you can attend, watch and enjoy as we say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020.
1. Enjoy an ice cream at Minchella & Co
Head to the beach in South Shields for a New Year's Day stroll before treating yourself to an ice cream from Minchella. They even have vegan options if you're doing Veganuary. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Burn off the calories with a parkrun - and you can even do a doubler
Head to a New Year's Day parkrun in the North East to burn off those endless treats consumed over the festive period. Hartlepool and Herrington Country Park both have NYD parkruns which will start at 10.30am. Some others in the region have 9am runs, meaning you could fit in a doubler. Check out their website for more options at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ Photo: Tim Richardson
3. Cheer on the competitors in the Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race
The annual Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race on New Year's Day will start and end at The Blackbird. Funds raised will support St Oswald's Hospice and Tynedale Hospice at Home. Join the fun by cheering on competitors during the race. Event starts at 11am. Photo: The Blackbird.
4. Fireworks on the Quayside
Welcome 2020 with one of two fabulous North East fireworks displays. There are two displays on New Year's Eve - one takes place at Haymarket at the top of Northumberland Street at 6pm and the other happens at midnight on the Quayside. Photo: Craig Connor, North News