Northern Lights: Times, tickets, and more as the light show returns to Newcastle’s Leazes Park

Northern Lights Newcastle will be returning to the city’s iconic Leazes Park for the 2024 festival period.

The light trail and show, which is led by the creators of Kendal Calling, proved to be a popular experience during its first year in 2023, which was a sell out event.

Organisers have confirmed that this year will include brand new experiences to keep the experience fresh for returning visitors in 2024.

Roxy Robinson, Creative Director of From the Fields, said: “Northern Lights has already received over 10,000 pre-sale sign-ups, reflecting an overwhelming response to our return at Newcastle-upon-Tyne! 

“Anticipation is high for what we promise to be a spectacular show, so securing tickets early is highly recommended before they sell out.”

This is everything you need to know for the Northern Lights 2024:

What are the dates and times?

Northern Lights Newcastle will run for five weeks from Friday, November 22 until Tuesday, December 31 - meaning that the event will be in place throughout the entire 2024 festive period.

The light trail will be open from 4.30pm until 8.15pm from November 22 until November 30.

Then from December 1 until December 31, the event will be open from 4.15pm until 8.15pm.

When are tickets on sale?

Tickets for the 2024 event go on sale from today (Wednesday, June 26) at 12pm.

Given that 2023 completely sold out, it might be wise to act fast to avoid disappointment.

You can secure your tickets at: https://northernlightsnewcastle.com/signup/.

What are the prices?

Prices for adults start from £19.50 each and child tickets (ages 3 to 16) from £13.95.

Family tickets can be purchased for £59.50 - with children under two-years-old going for free.

What can I expect for 2024?

Organisers have confirmed that there will be 12-15 new installations and “magical zones” spread throughout Leazes Park to ensure that the event remains fresh for returning visitors.

The one-mile loop will start and end at the southern park entrance, on Barrack Road.

It is estimated to take around 90-minutes to get round the full route, which is also made up of vintage fairground rides and a number of stalls selling festive treats such as mulled wine, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and more.

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What are the key attractions I should look out for?

The organisers have given an insight into some of the attractions that visitors should look out for in 2024, which are as follows:

• Mycelium Network: A fibre optic light installation by artist Stevie Thompson that displays mushrooms slowly transitioning through several colours, while the mycelium strobes and pulses create the illusion of movement, akin to a brain sending messages to the human body’s nervous system.
• The Lily Show: A new attraction for 2024, a “larger-than-life” mirrored lily will float on the lake's still waters, with each petal rimmed with colour-changing neon and illuminated from below the waterline, creating a shimmering effect across the mirrored surface.
• Rainbow Run: Described as perfect for fans of Mario Kart’s ‘Rainbow Road, this light installation will guide visitors along a path path, illuminated not just as a rainbow but with lights that change and flow towards you.
• Sea of Light: This will offer a breath-taking experience with pulsating, animated lights created by the renowned artists behind spectacular displays at Kew Gardens, Blenheim Palace, and Glastonbury Festival (Ithaca Studio).

Is the route accessible?

Organisers have ensured that everyone can enjoy the light trail and show by making sure that the entire event is inclusive and accessible.

The route is flat with refreshment areas along the way and ramp access points for wheelchair users.

There are special provisions in place that include reserved access time slots with quieter audio and reduced visitor numbers to support neuro-divergent guests.

Queue jump wristbands will also be available for those with additional needs.