Newcastle will not have New Year's Eve fireworks in 2022, instead opting for a laser light show.

Newcastle will ring in the New Year under a dazzling display of lasers for the second year in a row. There will be no official fireworks display, as there was last year.

The official displays were canceled last year due to rising Covid-19 cases, with organizers preferring to avoid large crowds. "We have a duty of care to minimize transmission and keep people safe," Newcastle City Council stated.

Instead, the city was treated to the first Laser Light City display, which lit up the skies over the Tyne. With Covid restrictions relaxed this year, many hoped that the annual fireworks display over the Tyne would return.

However, organizers have decided to cancel the display and instead focus on the laser show, which is said to be safer and more environmentally friendly. The decision will also appease the growing number of people who are concerned about the impact of fireworks on pets.

"The Laser Lights were so well received last year, I am delighted that we are welcoming them back," said Councillor Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for A Vibrant City at Newcastle City Council. It means we can provide a unique and visually stunning event in the city that is free and open to the public."

"It's also fantastic that the laser lights are a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to fireworks, supporting the city's carbon zero ambitions while also ensuring less noise pollution and being pet friendly," she added. And because the light shows take place regularly over three days, it is a very accessible event."

The laser light show will take place from Friday, December 30 to Sunday, January 1. Interactive elements will be available from 5pm to 11pm, with laser light displays on the hour from 6pm to 11pm, and memorable New Year's Eve shows at 12.05am and 1am.