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North East revellers toast the New Year in style

Jan 1 2012 by Sarah Scott, Sunday Sun

THOUSANDS of revellers across the North came together to ring in 2012 in spectacular style last night.

Young and old gathered to celebrate the end of 2011 and the dawn of 2012 across the region.

From the Scottish Borders, down to North Yorkshire and across to Cumbria, families and partygoers were out in their masses to hear the clock chime midnight.

Excitement built in Newcastle city centre throughout the day as families gathered around the Monument to watch Newcastle’s Ice Queen as she blew snowy blasts across the city and shot flames into the air.

Dancers dressed in exotic costumes and dramatic music brought a sense of occasion to the city centre.

Soaking up the party atmosphere in Newcastle were Lindsey Jones, husband Vincent and their three-year-old daughter Matilda.

The family, of Gateshead, were impressed with the Winter Festival celebrations.

“It is a nice thing to do with the family on New Year’s Eve. We came to have a look and it is just lovely.

“It is such a great family event,” said Lindsey.

Rachel Butler was also among the crowds gathered at Newcastle’s Monument to watch the carnival antics with her seven-year-old son Joel.

“To see the dancers and the rest of the carnival was amazing for Joel.

“It’s great they put this event on and it is a lovely start to the celebrations with family and friends.”

The magical carnival parade saw Norse mythology and Viking folklore come to life and Black Eves, Thor and Odin’s wolves could be seen prancing through the city centre.

The skies erupted early as fireworks brought Newcastle to life at Newcastle Civic Centre and families watched in their droves as bursts of sparkling explosions started the New Year’s celebrations.