Newcastle Fanzone ready for Big Weekend
As the excitement of Rugby World Cup returns to Newcastle, with New Zealand, Scotland, Samoa and Tonga all playing at St James’ Park this weekend, the city centre fanzone will once again be open and offering a full programme of entertainment around the matches.
Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the venue’s giant screen will be screening all the weekend’s matches, including the two at St James’ and the pool A decider between Australia and Wales.
In addition to the matches, a wide range of food and drink stands and the Fanzone Fairground, there is a host of not to be missed activities.
On Friday, the Webb Ellis Cup will be on display from 13:00 – 17:30 while from 15:30 – 17:00, Corey Baker Dance will perform Haka Day Out, showcasing the native New Zealand Maori art from of Kapa Haka and providing an electric atmosphere in the build up to the big game at 20:00.
Across in the Marquee, a host of acts will be providing live music from 15:30 until 19:30 and then from 21:30 until close at 23:30.
On Saturday the Fanzone opens its doors at the earlier time of 10.00am to 11.30pm, with three matches on the big screen: Samoa v Scotland (Kick off 2.30pm) Australia v Wales (Kick off 4.45pm); England v Uruguay (Kick off 8pm).
Finally on Sunday, Newcastle’s involvement in rugby’s showpiece tournament comes to a close with a spectacular finish.
Taking place before the final game of the group stages between USA and Japan at 7pm, there will be a performance by Les Commandos Percu and Deabru Beltzak inside the Fanzone.
A wild finale will see troupes of musicians marching between audiences before taking to the stage for a unique spectacle of drumming, pyrotechnics and war chants in what is sure to be a memorable close to the city’s Conversion Festival and Rugby World Cup.
