Alive After Five

From October 2010 Newcastle comes Alive after Five with extended retail opening until 8pm weekdays and 7pm on Saturdays, free car parking in the Council’s 8 multi- storey car parks across the city and a whole host of events and activities all linked to Alive after Five. A permanent change to Newcastle’s opening hours that is expected to deliver a multi-million pound boost to city centre businesses.

Most noticeable will be shops open later and longer and a buzz on the streets of Newcastle fuelled by a packed programme of world class street entertainment delivered by award-winning street entertainers and performance artistes.

The live entertainment equates to 115 days of street performances delivered by some outlandish performers, the majority of whom have never performed in Newcastle before. Among their ranks are the internationally renowned, Australian troop Calvos Dos who excel in stilt walking and juggling. Joining them on launch day will be Newcastle’s own 20-strong drumming collective, Newcastle All Stars and fire eating performances from Fantasy Flame show.

Alive after Five is not just about retail, but encourages as many city centre businesses as possible to get involved and seize the opportunity that Alive after Five will bring. Many of the city’s bars, restaurants and cultural and event venues are on board and will be getting involved with promotions and offers linked to Alive after Five.

The council is fully supportive of the initiative and is offering free car parking in all 8 council owned multi-storey car parks in the city and security in the city centre will be enhanced with NE1 Street Rangers extending their hours until 8pm and working closely with Northumbria Police.

NOTE - Visitors to Newcastle’s city centre can now take advantage of free parking at the Civic Centre as it opens its underground car park to the public after 6pm