Rain is not usually a good sign for outdoor events – but typical British weather may have enhanced the experience of those attending Newcastle’s Laser Light Show.

Consisting of 25 high-powered lasers situated on some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the show was originally slated to bring in 2021 – but it was pushed back 12 months due to the coronavirus crisis.

Despite the spread of the Omicron variant – which forced the city council to scrap plans for a New Year’s Eve fireworks display – the event has gone ahead this year as Newcastle looks to bring in the New Year with at least some style.

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The display was brought to the city thanks to a combination of Newcastle City Council, NE1 and BAFTA award-winning artist Seb Lee-Delisle.

The idea is that, because the lasers can be seen across the city, it will avoid large crowds congregating. On that basis, organisers have a point – they were easily visible from my parking spot some distance away from the Quayside, and residents reported sighting them as far away as Stocksfield and Chester-Le-Street.

The rain falling on the banks of the Tyne was caught in the light and glittered as it fell, adding to the spectacle, with small crowds gathered along the riverbank and on the city’s bridges.

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Lasers were placed on the Tyne Bridge, Hadrian’s Tower, Civic Centre, Sage Gateshead, Baltic and Malmaison as well as the Civic Centre.

Not only that, but the public were able to take turns to control the lasers via their smart phones via the Laser Light City website.

If you missed out, have no fear – further displays are also planned on New Year’s Eve from 5pm until 1am and on New Year’s Day from 5pm until 10pm.

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