Published 14 Aug 2026
An eerie darkness descended upon Newcastle's quayside tonight (Wednesday 12 August 2026) as thousands of people watched the moon blot out the sun in the most spectacular solar eclipse since 1999.
A massive crowd gathered at Baltic Square next to the river from 18:00 to witness the once in a life-time celestial occasion which won't be repeated until 2081.
Onlookers wore specialist solar eclipse glasses to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun.
The event on the quayside was organised by Kielder Observatory in conjunction with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which had provided the protective wear for free.
More than 2000 registered to attend, while others simply turned up, cramming onto the south side of the River Tyne, as the moon covered 90 per cent of the sun at exactly 19:07.
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications & Partnerships at train operator Lumo, which supported the Eclipse on the Tyne event, said: "There's something very special about gathering with thousands of people to watch this once in a generation spectacle.
"It gradually got darker and darker before the peak of the eclipse at 19:07, when the temperature dropped, and the atmosphere became eerie and quiet.
"Everyone cheered, applauded and there was a fantastic feeling of community.
"Lumo are proud to have been part of this event which has brought thousands together on the banks of the River Tyne."
Elsewhere in the North East, dozens gathered close to the Angel of the North in Gateshead to witness the incredible sight.
The skies above the region were cloudy in part, but the eclipse could be seen with clarity by most.
A massive crowd gathered at Baltic Square next to the river from 18:00 to witness the once in a life-time celestial occasion which won't be repeated until 2081.
Onlookers wore specialist solar eclipse glasses to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun.
The event on the quayside was organised by Kielder Observatory in conjunction with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which had provided the protective wear for free.
More than 2000 registered to attend, while others simply turned up, cramming onto the south side of the River Tyne, as the moon covered 90 per cent of the sun at exactly 19:07.
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications & Partnerships at train operator Lumo, which supported the Eclipse on the Tyne event, said: "There's something very special about gathering with thousands of people to watch this once in a generation spectacle.
"It gradually got darker and darker before the peak of the eclipse at 19:07, when the temperature dropped, and the atmosphere became eerie and quiet.
"Everyone cheered, applauded and there was a fantastic feeling of community.
"Lumo are proud to have been part of this event which has brought thousands together on the banks of the River Tyne."
Elsewhere in the North East, dozens gathered close to the Angel of the North in Gateshead to witness the incredible sight.
The skies above the region were cloudy in part, but the eclipse could be seen with clarity by most.
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