PLANS to stage a repeat performance of the biggest party the North-East has seen were unveiled yesterday.

Newcastle plans a £500,000 party on New Year's Eve, as the region welcomes in 2001, following the success of the Millennium open air festival.

An afternoon of entertainment and street theatre in the Haymarket and Quayside areas will give way in the evening to a fireworks and lights spectacular by the River Tyne.

An estimated 36,000 revellers are expected to attend the party, each wearing a special armband, which can be bought for £5.99, to limit numbers thronging to the Quayside.

Private sponsors will pick up most of the bill, with taxpayers coming up with £150,000 for the event