With eight days to go until opening fixture of Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) at St James’ Park, organisers have today released final details of what fans can look forward to in Newcastle at the Official RLWC2021 Fan Village on the Quayside over the opening weekend. 

Opening from 14:00 to 22:00 on Friday (14^th) and 11:00 to 22:00 on Saturday (15^th), fans and residents will be treated a whole host of fantastic entertainment options, as the party atmosphere comes to Newcastle’s Quayside. 

For fans looking to experience Newcastle’s iconic quayside from a unique perspective, the Official RLWC2021 Fan Village will feature the famous zip line across the River Tyne. Tournament organisers are advising those fans wanting to experience the zip line, to book in advance via this link, as the activation requires booking confirmation, and is likely to sell out. Supported by Metro Radio, the Official RLWC2021 Fan Village will run from underneath the Tyne Bridge, through to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Boasting attractions for people of all ages, the RLWC2021 Fan Village will have a range of family-friendly activities, food and drink stalls, activations from RLWC2021 partners, music and big screens, plus a huge fireworks display on Saturday evening to complete the festivities. 

Newcastle is known for the passionate support of its sports loving fans, and the city has a fantastic track record for delivering fan activations with the RWC2015, and the 2019 European Rugby Finals, setting UK records for fan zone attendances.

Earlier this week, RLWC2021 announced the Kaiser Chiefs as the headline act at St James’ Park in what is expected to be the biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history. 

Mick Hogan, Revenue Director for RLWC2021, said: 

“RLWC2021 is nearly here, and the carnival atmosphere among fans is on the rise. The Official RLWC2021 Fan Village in Newcastle is really going to set the tone for what is sure to be an unforgettable tournament for everyone involved.

“The Fan Village is free for everyone, whether they have purchased a ticket to an RLWC2021 fixture or not, and we are expecting great crowds in a city which is known for getting behind their sports’ teams. We have created a brilliant line up of entertainment for fans, with fireworks, music, food and drink, and then the zip line, which will provide fans with an unforgettable way of seeing the city.”

Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: 

“Newcastle knows how to host a party and we have rapidly become rugby’s adopted home. Excitement is building for these games and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from around the world to enjoy the celebrations on and off the pitch. We are delighted to have played our part in preparing the city to host the event and proud that the opening celebrations are being staged here. The eyes of the world will be upon us and the iconic Quayside will provide an amazing backdrop for the Fan Village with the zip-wire giving people an exhilarating way to see the city.” 

Tickets remain available for the opening fixture, please www.RLWC2021.com/tickets for more information