19 pictures as friends, couples and families enjoy New Year's Eve in Newcastle

After a wash-out New Year’s Eve in 2020, 2021 looked set to be back in full swing – until the Omicron variant put the dampeners on the festive season.

Many still took the chance to celebrate, however, and there were reports of Scottish revellers heading south of the border to party after nightclubs were closed and events cancelled in Scotland under covid restrictions.

News agency North News and Pictures were out on the town last night to capture a flavour of the festive atmosphere.