Birthdays don’t come much bigger than this.

Sunday 16 September from 4.30pm - Mouth of the Tyne - FREE Event
Viewing areas and timings

The QE2 celebrates her 40th this year and as part of her anniversary voyage around the British Isles she will visit North East England.

To welcome her to the Tyne in style we’ll be laying a virtual red carpet on the river and holding an extravagant display of daytime fireworks and musical performances from international companies and local musicians. Don’t miss out on this fantastic free event and a truly unique opportunity to see this magnificent ship.

The QE2’s visit to the River Tyne is part of her 40th anniversary voyage around the UK – one of her last before the vast 70,000 ton vessel makes her permanent new home in Dubai in 2008.

Welcome celebrations start at the mouth of the Tyne just as the QE2’s arrival is imminent at 4.30pm. As she sails up the river and docks at Tyne Commission Quay, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic pyrotechnic display accompanied by a beautifully hypnotic musical performance.

If you live outside the North East, why not combine this unusual event with a weekend break in NewcastleGateshead.  Click here for special hotel rates.

The QE2 Welcome Event is part of NewcastleGateshead’s world-class festivals and events programme which is managed by NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI). The QE2 Welcome Event has been delivered by NGI, One NorthEast, North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council and Event International.