Thousands due at Newcastle winter festival

The celebrations will culminate in a fireworks display

Thousands of revellers are expected to celebrate the new year at a winter festival in Newcastle.

South American and South Asian themed musicians and dancers will perform throughout the city centre on New Year's Eve afternoon.

There will also be a parade through the city from Monument to Haymarket.

The celebrations, which culminate in a fireworks display at the civic centre at about 1800 GMT, are expected to be attended by about 10,000 people.

A council spokesman said: "The festivities will continue throughout the evening in the bars, clubs and venues across the city, as the South American and South Asian carnival spirit blends with our own unique northern New Year's Eve traditions, putting some heat into the winter landscape of our city centre."