PIC CREDIT: A visualisation of the Rugby World Cup 2015 logo on the Tyne Bridge – http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/illuminated-tyne-bridge-sign-kick-start-8182092
Rugby World Cup 2015 mark will be unveiled on the Tyne Bridge on New Year’s Eve
- City will play host to three RWC 2015 matches at St James’ Park
- The bridge will provide one of the iconic images of Rugby World Cup 2015
Newcastle City Council will unveil a giant Rugby World Cup 2015 mark on the Tyne Bridge on New Year’s Eve (December 31), marking the start of the year of the Tournament, hosted in England and in Cardiff in 2015.
Delivered in partnership between Newcastle City Council, England Rugby 2015, Rugby World Cup Limited and Visit England, the mark measuring 21m x 12m will adorn the side of Newcastle’s iconic Tyne Bridge and be the centre piece of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city.
The illuminated mark will be officially unveiled at 1800 (GMT) for the crowds on the Quayside alongside the city’s firework display and Winter Carnival. It will remain lit until fireworks mark the year of Rugby World Cup 2015 at midnight. The mark will be in place for 2015 and will become one of the iconic images of the Tournament.
Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, Debbie Jevans, said: “We, along with Newcastle City Council, are delighted to welcome in the year of the Tournament by unveiling the Rugby World Cup 2015 mark on the Tyne Bridge on New Year’s Eve. The enthusiasm for Rugby World Cup 2015 in Newcastle has been fantastic and we very much looking forward to bringing the event to the city next year.”
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “January 1, 2015 will be a very special date for fans and Host Cities alike as we begin our Rugby World Cup year. I am sure that the Tyne Bridge will become a major attraction and an iconic symbol of a Tournament that will reach out, attract and inspire new audiences from the north east to the south west.”
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Forbes, said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 will put Newcastle on the international stage so it’s important that we have an iconic image to go with it. This mark is a symbol of the city’s confidence and growing reputation for hosting major sporting events. It will also be a constant reminder of the exciting times to come when the first rugby fixture, South Africa v Scotland kicks off at St James’ Park on October 3, 2015.”
The Tyne Bridge has played host to a number of large marks over the years including the Great North Run and the Olympic Rings in 2012.
Newcastle will play host to three Rugby World Cup 2015 matches at St James’ Park:
October 3, 16:45 – South Africa v Scotland
October 9, 20:00 – New Zealand v Tonga
October 10, 14:30 – Samoa v Scotland
Remaining tickets for Rugby World Cup 2015 go back on general sale at midday (GMT) Friday November 28 via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. Official travel and hospitality packages are also available via www.rugbyworldcup.com/ticketing/buyofficial