Parade gave 'multimillion-pound boost' to economy

The full impact of Saturday's Carabao Cup parade will be assessed in greater detail this week

Newcastle United's trophy parade gave the city's economy a multimillion-pound boost, it is understood.

An estimated 300,000 supporters packed out city centre streets and the Town Moor on Saturday for a historic party to celebrate the Magpies' Carabao Cup win.

Tyneside officials believe the parade day was worth at least £6m to the local economy – and that figure is considered to be a very conservative estimate, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands.

Chief executive of the NE1 Ltd business improvement district company (NE1) Stephen Patterson said: "Early feedback from city centre businesses has been resoundingly positive, with some reporting record-breaking trade."

The full impact of the celebration, which was pulled together at less than a fortnight's notice, will be assessed in greater detail this week.

NE1 said footfall on Northumberland Street alone was up 37% compared to a year ago, and it was not even part of the bus parade route.

Mr Patterson said: "Perhaps unsurprisingly, businesses closest to the parade route and the Town Moor and bars and hospitality businesses selling food on the go reported the strongest figures."

He said that the event showcased Newcastle internationally.

"What price can we put on such positive images being beamed around the world?" he added.

Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour praised the teams tasked with clearing up the city and the moor.

She said about 10 tonnes of waste was removed.