A FREE family-friendly firework display will be held on Monday evening to celebrate the end of 2018 and help get the region ready to welcome in the New Year.

The festivities get underway at 6pm outside Newcastle Civic Centre with a dazzling 15-minute spectacle to music.

Newcastle City Council and the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative are once again teaming up with outdoor art experts Walk the Plank to bring a touch of myth and magic to the celebrations.

Vikki Leaney, senior festivals and events manager with NGI, said: “We know that for many people, our stunning firework show is a highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebrations, so we’re pleased to announce the return of the display back to the heart of the city.

“As well as the New Year Eve fireworks, there are lots of amazing events and experiences on offer on New Year and across the winter period as part of the wider Newcastle Gateshead Winter Festival.

Heart North-East presenter Tom Campbell will be entertaining the crowds from 5.30pm.

Throughout the afternoon the city centre will start to come alive as street theatre and music add to the building buzz and atmosphere of New Year’s Eve.

Families and festive shoppers also can take a break from shopping and enjoy a spin on one of NE1’s fairground rides, which will be found at three locations along Northumberland Street.

There will also be Christmas games for families to try their hands at, as well as the spectacular Helter Skelter at the south end of the street, near Fenwick’s windows.

Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for culture, sport and public health, Councillor Kim McGuiness, from Newcastle City Council, said: “I am really pleased that the New Year’s Eve celebration will take place in Newcastle City Centre.

“This vibrant, family friendly celebration will be a lovely way to see out 2018 and welcome in 2019 with a visually stunning firework display and entertainment from Heart radio.

“There will be plenty to see and do across Newcastle City Centre over the Christmas and New Year period and this will be a fitting finale for our celebrations.”