New Year's Eve fireworks in Newcastle cancelled due to severe weather

Newcastle's popular New Year's Eve fireworks displays have been cancelled due to severe weather.

Events on the city's Quayside were due to take place today (31 December) at 6pm and midnight, with thousands expected to turn out.

Newcastle City Council confirmed this morning that the authority would be pulling the plug to ensure the safety of staff and spectators as strong winds are forecast alongside a yellow weather warning.

A statement from the council said: "We know many were looking forward to celebrating New Year’s Eve on the Quayside with our spectacular fireworks displays, but due to strong gusty winds and a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office, we’ve had to take the tough decision to cancel the planned events at 6pm and midnight."Safety always comes first, and the forecast has made it clear that continuing would pose risks to those attending, as well as our event teams working on-site."

Scott Hillary, display manager at Reaction Fireworks, told ITV Tyne Tees that plans for the event had already been amended, including a move in location, but due to a change in wind direction, the fireworks could no longer be fired safely.

Display manager at Reaction Fireworks says a change in wind direction has forced the decision to cancel

It comes as some of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festivities have been cancelled due to bad weather, with a yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow currently in force across most of Scotland for Tuesday.

Meanwhile in London, authorities there have said they are “monitoring the weather” ahead of the capital's New Year’s Eve fireworks amid multiple weather warnings.

Newcastle City Council acknowledged the cancellation of the event would be "disappointing" but added that it hoped "everyone can still find ways to safely welcome 2024 with family and friends".

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...