A NORTH-EAST city is extending its retail opening hours in a move that is expected to deliver a multimillion pound boost to business.
Newcastle’s Alive After Five will see retail outlets opening until 8pm on weekdays and 7pm on Saturdays, with free parking in the city council’s eight multi-storey car parks, and a whole host of events.
NE1 Ltd, the city’s business improvement district company and mastermind of Alive After Five, has invested £500,000 in an advertising campaign and entertainment programme until next April.
Among the performers will be the Australian troupe of stilt walkers and jugglers Calvos Dos.
Joining them yesterday were the city’s own 20- strong drumming group, Newcastle All Stars, and a juggling unicyclist.
This week, there will be face painters and balloon artists in St Andrew’s Mall and Chevy Chase Mall, in Eldon Square, and artistes at sites across the city, including Grey’s Monument, Northumberland Street and The Gate in Newgate Street.
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