A spectacular firework display welcomed in the New Year.
It was presented by NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival and was one of the biggest free events in the country.
Drawing on Norse mythologies and Viking folklore hundreds of local residents were involved in the parade as it made its way through the streets.
The colourful procession travelled from Monument, up Northumberland Street, to Newcastle Civic Centre for the traditional early evening firework display at 6pm.
The free, family-friendly festivities began at 5pm at Monument as mythical characters such as Odin's wolves started prowling the streets with Thor and the Black Elves looking on.
The mythical World Serpent also slithered its way through the town.
Thor's Hammers added some percussive strength to proceedings as the Kingsmen's fire dance led a flaming Viking Longship up Northumberland Street from 5.15pm.
Then the World Beaters' Spark drummers rhythms summoned the carnival parade to Newcastle Civic Centre for the firework finale.
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"Year on year we have seen the event grow to include hundreds of local community performers, arts groups and volunteers.
"Our long time collaborators, and producers of the Winter Carnival, Walk the Plank, have created another brilliant event for all the family to enjoy.
"Approximately 40,000 people attended last year's Winter Carnival and we hope to see more of the same as we welcome in 2013."
Liz Pugh, Producer at Walk the Plank, said: "The Winter Carnival wouldn't be possible without the support of Newcastle City Council Arts Team, Bravura carnival arts, Richard Broderick, the World Beaters musicians and drummers, choreographer Emma McGurrell, technical sponsor, Hi-Lights and the hundreds of community participants from across NewcastleGateshead.
"We'd like to thank each and every one of them for making this event so special."
The Carnival Parade of artists, community performers and volunteers congregated at Newcastle Civic Centre at 6pm to enjoy an early evening firework display.
And at midnight a multitude of colours lit up the sky in a firework display that signalled 2013 had begun.
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