Great North Run Million Opening Ceremony

4 September 2014, 06:00 | Updated: 4 September 2014, 06:47

Newcastle and Gateshead's Quayside will be transformed into a stage of lights, music and dance for the Great North Run Million Opening Ceremony.

The event's being held to mark the millionth finish at this year's Bupa Great North Run.
 
In celebration of this prestigious milestone - which is a world first - the opening event will feature live music, film and a stunning dance performance, as well as star appearances, all held on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside; transforming the River Tyne into an outdoor arena ahead of the Bupa Great North Run on Saturday 7th September.  

Among the performers will be 'local hero' and rock legend Mark Knopfler.

He told Heart,
"I'm proud to have been a supporter of this great event from the beginning and am looking forward to being there to play 'Local Hero' once more on September 4th when the Bupa Great North Run gets ready to notch up its millionth finish."
 
Bupa Great North Run founder Brendan Foster told Heart
"Over 30 years ago, Mark, who hails from the North East, and Dire Strait's music were our soundtrack in the early days of the Great North Run - that particular track has now become the Great North Run anthem.

What better way to kick off this world first event?"
 
Award-winning North East author David Almond will write the story and an exceptional creative team, led by Artistic Director Bradley Hemmings (co-Artistic Director of the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony) and other members of the London 2012 Opening Ceremonies team, will bring it to life along with thousands of volunteer performers forming a giant choreographed circuit around the Quayside.  

Incredible fireworks and man-made lightning strikes will illuminate the Quayside.

There will also be a large-scale fire sculpture, close proximity pyrotechnics and aerial fireworks in a variety of locations on the river, bridges, and the Quayside.

The event will also bring together music, mass choreography, an incredible light projection on to the side of the Sage Gateshead and storytelling based on an impressive history of North East "world firsts".

Road Closures

First road closures will start at 6pm.

Tthis will be all of the Quayside from Sandhill to City Road and along to the Swirle including all of the side roads leading onto the Quayside.

The Swing Bridge will also be closed from 6pm.

The Tyne Bridge will close at 8.30pm and reopen at 9.45pm

All roads except Quayside from Milkmarket to Sandhill will reopen at 11pm and the Quayside from City Road to Sandhill at 1am

In Gateshead Bottle Bank, Pipewellgate, Hillgate and South Shore Road will be shut.

If you are going to the opening ceremony then doors open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 8:30pm.