Events mark half century since North East visit of Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King's image projected onto Newcastle University Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

A year of events will take place to mark 50 years since a visit to Newcastle by the American civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King.

Dr King came to the North East in the autumn of 1967 to accept an honorary degree from Newcastle University. His acceptance speech was his last outside the USA before he was assassinated a few months later.

A series of exhibitions, performances and other events will be held this year in Newcastle and Gateshead under the banner 'Freedom City 2017'. The aim is to explore the themes of Dr King's speech and consider his legacy, 50 years on.

January 16 was chosen to launch the programme of events as it is designated Martin Luther King Jr Day in the USA.

Last year, previously forgotten archive from Dr King's visit came to light, including an interview for Tyne Tees Television between the civil rights leader and journalist Clyde Alleyne.