In the North East, the Christmas weekend was kicked off yesterday with Black Eye Friday - with revellers flocking to the streets to booze and brawl. 

The Northern Echo: Revellers in Newcastle, out for Black Eye Friday, on the last Friday before Christmas.

The booze-fueled tradition - also known as Black Friday, Mad Friday, and Builders' Friday - signals the start of Christmas cheer for many. 

The Northern Echo: Brawls broke out in Newcastle last night.

The Northern Echo: Revellers in Newcastle, out for Black Eye Friday, on the last Friday before Christmas.

The night lived up to its name, as brawls broke out in watering holes across the region.  Bloodied revellers were arrested in Newcastle for fighting, and a large group kicked out of a pub in Skipton, North Yorkshire, following a brawl. 

The Northern Echo: Brawls broke out in Newcastle last night.

The Northern Echo: Revellers in Newcastle, out for Black Eye Friday, on the last Friday before Christmas.

Nationwide, England is estimated to have put down 40million pints in total, and ambulance services were on high alert for what is typically their busiest night of the year. 

The Northern Echo: Brawls broke out in Newcastle last night.

The Northern Echo: Revellers in Newcastle, out for Black Eye Friday, on the last Friday before Christmas.

The Northern Echo: Brawls broke out in Newcastle last night.The Northern Echo: Revellers in Newcastle, out for Black Eye Friday, on the last Friday before Christmas.The Northern Echo: Revellers in Newcastle, out for Black Eye Friday, on the last Friday before Christmas.