Northern Lights Newcastle, the spectacular light trail returning to Leazes Park this winter, has announced its 2024 charity partnerships, expanding its commitment and dedication to working with and supporting the local community.
This year, Northern Lights will collaborate with four incredible organisations; The Alan Shearer Centre, Newcastle Hospitals Charity, Newcastle United Foundation and Evry, each dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of children, families, and communities in the North East.
Last year Northern Lights Newcastle demonstrated its commitment to the local community by spearheading a fundraiser to revitalise the children’s playground in Leazes Park which was deemed unsafe for use earlier that year. In partnership with Urban Green Newcastle and the park’s 150th birthday, the initiative successfully raised £21,000, with Northern Lights matching all donations made by ticket buyers. Work on the playground is now underway restoring and repairing the much-loved playground equipment, ensuring that the park remains a cherished space for local families and children to enjoy.
Alan Shearer Centre: Sensory Experiences for All
The Alan Shearer Centre, part of St Cuthbert’s Care, will be working with Northern Lights Newcastle for the first time this year to present two newly commissioned light art installations funded by the Arts Council England specifically designed for adults with complex disabilities, including sensory needs and special educational requirements.
One of these pieces is being developed by renowned local artist Stevie Thompson from South Shields, and the other is by Multiminded Design from Ouseburn. Both installations will be tested and showcased at the Alan Shearer Centre this October before being featured at Northern Lights Newcastle 2024. On top of this, the Centre will also receive tickets to allow its members, many of whom have complex disabilities, along with their carers, to visit the light trail and enjoy the festive magic together.
Nic Gilbert, Chief Executive of St Cuthbert’s Care, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are delighted to be invited to become a charity partner with Northern Lights Newcastle. We look forward to combining our fields of expertise to further enhance the sensory experiences and opportunities for people with disabilities at our Alan Shearer Centre.”
Carla May Tierney, a visitor of Northern Lights Newcastle 2023 talked about her experience at the light trail saying: “What an amazing experience! My 4-year-old autistic son loved it. This was by far the best time we’ve had together! Thank you for a beautiful experience”
Newcastle Hospitals Charity: Art Beacons of Hope
Building on the success of last year’s partnership, Northern Lights Newcastle is again joining forces with Newcastle Hospitals Charity. This collaboration will see more than 50 children and young people undergoing treatment at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) create festive-themed artwork, which will be transformed into stunning Cylindrical Beacons of Light along the trail. These beacons, designed by the children, will illuminate the park, creating a beautiful and emotional connection between the hospital and the light trail.
Arts Council England funding has been successfully granted towards the creation of both of these installations and will also help provide a musician and composer, who will work with the children creating the designs to also help compose the accompanying soundtrack that will be played as people experience the Art Beacons
Katie Newell, Arts Programme Manager at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “We partnered with Northern Lights Newcastle last year, and it was truly magical for young patients to see their light-projection designs displayed at the festival with their loved ones. We are excited to partner again in 2024 and give these young artists another opportunity to contribute to such a significant event for the city.”
As part of this partnership, ticket buyers can support the project by donating £1, £3, or £5 when purchasing their tickets. This initiative has already raised over £1500, and these funds are making a significant impact. The children who participate in creating the art are also receiving complimentary tickets to visit the trail with their families, offering them a rare and cherished experience outside the hospital.
Newcastle United Foundation: Inspiring the Next Generation
This year, Northern Lights Newcastle will also be collaborating with a few new charities, one being the Newcastle United Foundation, to provide older children supported by the foundation with a behind-the-scenes look at the event. These site visits will introduce them to career prospects in event management and production, building on similar initiatives the foundation has run with other local landmarks.
Evry: Supporting more children and young people to access fantastic experiences
Another partnership that Northern Lights Newcastle is working with is Evry, a programme within Newcastle City Council that brings together partners in the city to create transformative change with babies, children and young people. Through the Evry partnership, Northern Lights Newcastle are offering tickets to children in need, young carers, children with special educational needs to ensure more young people can enjoy the magic of the light trail.
Evry spoke about what the partnership with Northern Lights means to them, said: “Families and young people who attended last year’s event through our partnership described it as a magical experience, especially at such a challenging time of year. We look forward to working with Northern Lights Newcastle in 2024 to help even more children and families experience this wonderful event.”
Returning for its second year, Northern Lights Newcastle will transform Leazes Park with a reimagined route and brand-new illuminations. Visitors can look forward to breathtaking installations like Mycelium Network, The Lily Show, and Rainbow Run, along with an extended Christmas village offering festive treats and vintage fairground rides. Running from 22nd November to 31st December 2024, this year’s trail promises an even more immersive and magical experience for all to enjoy.
Roxy Robinson, Creative Director of From the Fields, the company behind Northern Lights, said: “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to our return this year. Northern Lights Newcastle is not just about creating a spectacular show, but also about giving back to the community. Our partnerships with these amazing charities are a testament to that commitment and we can’t wait to see the joy it brings to families across the city while supporting such meaningful causes.”
Event Dates and Times:
22 November – 31 December 2024
- 4:30pm – 8:15pm (22 November – 30 November)
- 4:15pm – 8:15pm (1 December – 31 December)
Ticket Prices:
- Adult tickets from £19.50
- Child tickets (3-16) from £13.95
- Family tickets from £59.50
- Children under 2 go free
Following a sell-out first year, and a high demand for this year’s tickets already, visitors are advised to secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment. For more information and to book tickets, visit Northern Lights Newcastle.