A festive pilot scheme has been launched to encourage UK coach operators to include Newcastle in their Christmas tour programmes and add the city to their year-round coach trip schedules.

Two pre-Christmas weekends have been set aside for the trial, including Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 November, and Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December.

The initiative has been organised and funded by NE1, Newcastle’s Business Improvement District, with support from Newcastle City Council, CPT, and Newcastle Gateshead Initiative.

To improve coach access and parking in the city centre, NE1 has arranged for designated city centre drop-off points and long-term parking bays to be set aside during the trial.

Coach drivers will also be provided with a package of food and drink vouchers over the pilot weekends. Coach operators can book directly with Newcastle NE1 by contacting info@newcastlene1ltd.com. Passengers will also enjoy a range of exclusive discounts in city centre venues. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.