Magical enchanted parks, a mind boggling parade of illuminated “Glowmobiles” and stunning city centre art installations are all set to make NewcastleGateshead’s Winter Festival 07, running from 4th-31st December, something truly unique.

This year’s free festival, which forms part of NewcastleGateshead’s programme of world-class festival and events for 2007, managed by culture10 has three distinct strands which aim to offer something for everyone. In addition the festival also sees the return of all the traditional seasonal favourites including pantomimes, performances, Christmas light switch-ons and ice-skating.

Enchanted Parks sees Newcastle’s Leazes Park and Gateshead’s Saltwell Park brought magically to life with amazing dreamlike installations reflecting their past, present and possibilities for the future. Geraldine Pilgrim’s mesmerising images give visitors the unique opportunity to experience the region’s most celebrated parks as darkness descends and they are transformed into enchanted wonderlands.

Leazes Park performances take place on Friday 7th, Sat 8th, Sun 9th December, while Saltwell Park performances are on Fri 14th, Sat 15th, Sun 16th December.

Glow 07 builds upon the success of last year’s NewcastleGateshead Glow festival and brings together a series of newly commissioned and existing art projections, installations and illuminations lighting up NewcastleGateshead’s iconic cityscape. Created by national and international artists and curated by Isabel Vasseur, these amazing art pieces will be on public display Tuesday 4 – Monday 17 December.

New Year’s Eve in NewcastleGateshead promises to be nothing short of unforgettable as the area plays host to the crazy, engaging and just down right fun Glowmobile’s Parade.

Early afternoon will see a host of fire-breathing, flame-throwing, musical playing and an array of art cars and other vehicles take a pit stop at Saltwell Park in Gateshead. As dusk falls, the early New Year’s Eve extravaganza begins as the wacky and wonderful creations come together in convoy for an illuminated parade through the city, culminating in a burst of firework fun at Newcastle Civic Centre. 

Go to www.NewcastleGateshead.com/winterfestival for further information and to register for email updates on all Winter Festival events and the wider programme of theatre, dance, pantomimes and Christmas markets and ice rinks.  

The Winter Festival forms part of NewcastleGateshead’s world-class festivals and events programme, managed by culture10.