Northern Lights trail attracts 100,000 visitors

Northern Lights displayed work by artists and creators along its one-mile trail

A Christmas light trail attracted more than 100,000 visitors, according to the event's organisers.

Northern Lights was held for the first time at Newcastle's Leazes Park from 23 November for five weeks.

The park was transformed into a "magical world" of illuminations and audio.

Roxy Robinson, of organisers From the Fields, said: "The enthusiasm from those who came along to see the trail has been nothing short of amazing."

The mile-long trail highlighted work by local and national artists, including Blaydon-based Mandylights.

Northern Lights was run in collaboration with Urban Green Newcastle, the charity that cares for Newcastle’s parks and allotments.

More than 100,000 people attended the Northern Lights trail over five weeks

In 2023, Leazes Park celebrated its 150th year of being open to the public.

Urban Green Newcastle's chief executive Carol Pyrah said: "Northern Lights was a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone and showcase the city's first public park.

"Just as thousands of people would have flocked to Leazes Park when it opened in December 1873, last December saw more than 100,000 people enjoy the amazing spectacle that was Northern Lights."

Alongside the trail, Northern Lights launched a fundraiser to revitalise the children's play park in Leazes Park.

The event's organisers matched all donations made by ticketholders, which helped raise almost £6,000 to restore the play park's equipment.

Ms Robinson said: "The whole team is overwhelmed with the support and positive feedback we've received from visitors following our first year of Northern Lights.

"Newcastle has welcomed us with open arms, and the warmth of the community has made this journey truly extraordinary."