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Newcastle’s 2021 Christmas market cancelled due to Covid uncertainty

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The Newcastle Christmas market has been cancelled after ‘ongoing uncertainty’ caused by the pandemic.

It was 2019 the last time the Christmas market took over Newcastle’s monument and Northumberland Street as 2020 celebrations were also cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Nottingham-based Mellors Group were chosen by Newcastle City council to run the festive event and agreed a 5 year deal but recently a Newcastle City Council spokesperson confirmed to many news outlets that a mutual agreement to terminate the contract early had been reached.

They said: “Newcastle City Council and James Mellor Limited mutually agreed to terminate the contract to run the city’s Christmas markets due to the ongoing uncertainty around Covid.

“The council and James Mellors Limited enjoyed a very positive working relationship, but it was accepted by both parties that the pandemic has changed the environment that we must operate in.”

Under the Mellors supervision he 2019 Christmas market ‘supersized’ and became the largest to appear in Newcastle with everything from a giant toboggan to increased numbers of food stalls.

However, local traders expressed their disappointment with the event as they faced increased competition from festive vendors.

This year, the council have set out plans to host smaller festivities that focus on the involvement and safety of local people.

The spokesperson continued: “Since then the council has been working with NE1 to plan a unique Christmas experience for the city, focusing on a locally delivered, good quality and family orientated offer.

“The Grainger Market and Quayside Market will again have central roles to play in this and we are currently considering different options to safely provide other festive events and animate the city. More details will be revealed when these have been confirmed.”

The news comes after Leeds announced the cancellation of their classic 2021 Christmas celebrations also due to the ‘ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic’.

Though Manchester councilor Pat Karney has stated that “Christmas is not cancelled” and the markets in Manchester will go ahead as in previous years.

She said: “It’s green lights for Manchester markets. Christmas is not cancelled, it’s my favourite time of the year and I am the Christmas spokesperson on the council, the only one in the country, so Christmas is definitely going ahead.”

What are your thoughts – let us know on our social media below….

Best of North East

Doner Kebab Toastie Introduced at Tynemouth Market

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Mardi Gras No. 58 have made the ‘Doner Delish’ a permanent addition to their toastie menu.

This mouth-watering meal has been unveiled by a food stall at Tynemouth Market, where it “went down a storm” with customers on its debut weekend at the end of last month. So much so, the husband and wife duo Nicki Thompson and Dean Thompson, have made it a permanent addition to their Tynemouth Market food stall.

The couple set up their Mardi Gras No.58 food stall at the popular market in October last year, specialising in sourdough toasties “with a twist”.

The stall strives to serve up “quirky and modern” toasties  like the customer favourite Popeye Pesto, a toastie filled with pesto-coated chicken, spinach and cheese. Or for those who like a kick, there’s also the Buffalo Badboy, made of spicy beef mince with jalapenos and fresh chillies.

Mardi Gras has already taken inspiration from other popular takeaway dishes, with their Pizza Pepperoni toastie sandwiching pizza toppings between two sourdough slices.

Packed with doner meat, crispy red onion, gooey melted cheese, and finished off with garlic and chilli sauce, Nicki and Dean urged people via their Facebook page: “Don’t knock it until you try it!”.

The couple have hinted at toastie fans to “watch this space” for more indulgent inventions from Mardi Gras No. 58 coming soon!

What takeaway delight would you like to see in toastie form next? We’d love to try a take on the Teesside parmo!

Would you try the ‘Doner Delish’?

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Newcastle International named UK and Irish Airport of the Year in travel awards

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Newcastle International has been named the UK and Irish airport of the year at the so called “toughest to win” travel awards.

The airport scooped the top spot at the Travel Industry Awards 2022, after being voted for by leaders across the tourism industry. The panel of judges were impressed by Newcastle Airport due to its ” strong new routes across a range of airlines and its impressive six-minute security average”.

They also noted its carbon measurement reduction strategy, with the airport aiming to become a net zero carbon airport by 2035, significantly earlier than many other European airport targets. The awards, which are put on by the Travel Trade Gazette, aim to recognise overall performance, support for trade partners, contribution to a fairer travel industry and smarter products.

Now in their second year, the Travel Industry Awards are considered some of the toughest in the industry due to a “robust” system of judging, and hundreds of entries for each spot. Newcastle was one of several entrants for UK and Irish Airport of the year, and was shortlisted alongside Birmingham Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and London Stansted.

Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: ” This achievement is a testament to the work and dedication of employees and business partners across the Airport who have come together to create positive passenger experiences,” adding: “It is a great achievement for everyone at the Airport who has contributed to the award-winning service we deliver.”

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Greggs and Just Eat launch free sausage roll giveaway for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend

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Greggs has teamed up with Just Eat to offer customers free sausage rolls in time for the Queen’s big Jubilee weekend. Between tomorrow (June 2) and Sunday (June 5) anyone ordering a Greggs – which is based in Newcastle from Just Eat will receive a free sausage roll or vegan sausage roll, when they spend £10 or more on food or drink!

Better still, sausage roll fans will be pleased to know that the big Jubilee weekend also happens to coincide with National Sausage Roll Day on Sunday, making it the perfect excuse to bag yourself one!

“A national icon with the power to unite Britons up and down the country, the humble pastry is set to claim a starring roll in the Queen’s big weekend,” Greggs said in a statement.

Separately, JustEat is offering a 20 per cent discount on all orders from restaurtants with the word “royal” in their name. To claim this, use the code “ROYAL20” at checkout.

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