What a way to wrap up the year! At Dunes Event Group, we love finishing strong, and this New Year’s Eve was no exception. We had the pleasure of turning Gateshead Quayside into a lively, glowing wonderland for an early-evening family celebration.
Gateshead Council asked us to take the lead on the project, and we were thrilled to step up. With Newcastle hosting other festivities across the river, they wanted a high-energy space for families on our side. Our goal? A magical New Year’s experience perfect for little ones.
Expert Event Organisation on the Tyne
Big public celebrations only work with solid event organisation. Our focus was simple: create a safe, joyful space where parents could enjoy the evening with their children, without worrying about a late-night finish.
Set against the iconic Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the sweeping curves of the Millennium Bridge, the quayside buzzed with life. From sunset onwards, the smell of fresh donuts mixed with laughter, while neon lights from rides lit up the area.
Why Thoughtful Event Organisation Matters
Good event organisation is all about the details. We carefully picked entertainment to keep every age group smiling. Our fun fair hire brought variety, from playful "Hook-a-Duck" stalls to dazzling "Tea Cups" and traditional carousels featuring favourites like Elsa and Mickey Mouse.
Every ride and stall was chosen to delight. Watching children explore, parents chatting with hot chocolates in hand, and the festive atmosphere hum with energy made it clear: good planning makes all the difference.
Fun Fair Rides for Hire: Bringing the Quayside to Life
The energy on the quayside was absolutely contagious. There’s nothing quite like the "jolly but professional" buzz our team gets behind the scenes when we see a plan finally come together. As the sun dipped and night fell, the quayside really transformed. The vibrant purples and neon pinks from the rides started reflecting off the surface of the Tyne, giving the whole area a proper magical, festive glow.
We take a lot of pride in the fact that our fun fair rides for hire aren’t just about the thrills—they’re kept spotless, safe, and looking their absolute best. Seeing so many families bundled up in their big winter coats, clutching hot drinks and grinning from ear to ear, was a lovely reminder of exactly why we love what we do.
The highlight of the evening? The 6 PM fireworks. A stunning show that lit up the Gateshead sky, giving families all the thrill of a traditional New Year’s countdown, but at a time that suited the little ones perfectly.
A Night to Remember
As the final sparks faded over the Baltic, the feedback was unanimous: this was a fantastic, family-friendly way to kick off the New Year. We’re proud of our team’s event organisation and grateful to Gateshead Council for trusting us with such a special evening.
Seeing so many happy faces enjoy their "midnight moment" before bedtime made it all worthwhile. Here’s to more incredible events across the UK this year!
Planning a community celebration or special event? Contact Dunes Event Group today to see how we can bring the magic to your next big event.
