NEW Year celebrations are set to go with a double bang in one North-East city centre, tomorrow evening and night.

The now traditional family-friendly early evening Winter Carnival takes place in Newcastle city centre, with a parade featuring up to 350 drummers, dancers and other musicians from community groups across the region.

All those participating begin milling round Grey’s Monument, at about 4.30pm, with the parade setting off at 5.20pm, heading up Northumberland Street.

It culminates at Barras Bridge and the civic centre at about 6pm when there will be the first of two fireworks displays.

The second display will take place to herald in 2017, on The Quayside, shortly after midnight, although the fireworks will be visible from a wide surrounding area.

Meanwhile, in Sunderland, there is a seafront celebration, featuring fire-performers, transformers, live music and a firework finale on Cliffe Park, Seaburn, between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday.

It includes locally-based artist Penella Bee and her team performing a repertoire of dazzling acts using fore and lights.

There will also be fairground rides, live music by local singer Ashleigh Humble, with plenty of on-site catering available.

The fireworks are set to be lit from 5.50pm, and will be visible from Cliffe Park and along the sea front.