Newcastle Civic Centre and Tyne Bridge to turn red for Wear Red Day
Illustrative image of Newcastle Civic Centre illuminated in red against an evening sky to represent Wear Red Day 2026
Newcastle Civic Centre and Tyne Bridge to turn red for Wear Red Day
Two of Newcastle’s best-known landmarks are set to be illuminated red later this month as the city marks Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Wear Red Day.
Newcastle Civic Centre and the Tyne Bridge are expected to be lit red on Friday 16 October 2026 as part of the national day of action against racism.
Wear Red Day is organised by Show Racism the Red Card and encourages schools, workplaces, organisations and individuals across the UK to wear red and demonstrate their support for anti-racism education.
This year’s Wear Red Day takes place on Friday 16 October, with the charity hoping to involve up to one million people across the country.
NEWCASTLE LANDMARKS TO LIGHT UP RED
According to an announcement shared by Newcastle Liberal Democrats, both Newcastle Civic Centre and the Tyne Bridge will be illuminated red to mark this year’s event.
The display will provide a highly visible show of support in the city centre, with the two landmarks joining organisations and individuals around the country taking part in Wear Red Day.
Newcastle City Council regularly considers requests to illuminate the Civic Centre, Tyne Bridge and other council-owned buildings to mark charitable causes and events of major significance to the city.
A LONG-STANDING CONNECTION WITH NEWCASTLE
Show Racism the Red Card has particularly strong links with Newcastle.
The anti-racism educational charity was launched in 1996 with the support of former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
Newcastle has marked Wear Red Day on a number of previous occasions, including raising the campaign flag at the Civic Centre and illuminating the building red.
In 2020, Newcastle Civic Centre was lit red to support the campaign, while subsequent events have included gatherings and flag-raising ceremonies at the Civic Centre.
WHAT IS WEAR RED DAY?
Wear Red Day is Show Racism the Red Card’s annual national day of action.
People are encouraged to wear something red and use the occasion to raise awareness of racism and support anti-racism education.
The first Wear Red Day took place in 2014, when around 7,000 people registered to participate.
The charity says participation has grown significantly since then and hopes as many as one million people will take part in 2026.
HOW GREAT PARK RESIDENTS CAN TAKE PART
Residents who would like to support the campaign can simply wear something red on Friday 16 October.
Schools, workplaces, community organisations and individuals can also register to participate through the official Show Racism the Red Card website.
The charity provides fundraising and educational materials for people and organisations taking part.
Further information is available at:
www.theredcard.org/wear-red-day/
WHEN TO LOOK OUT FOR THE LANDMARKS
Date: Friday 16 October 2026
Location: Newcastle Civic Centre and Tyne Bridge
Occasion: Show Racism the Red Card – Wear Red Day 2026
Anyone travelling into Newcastle city centre that evening may be able to see the two landmarks illuminated red as part of the campaign.
ABOUT THE IMAGE
The image accompanying this article is an illustrative representation created to show how Newcastle Civic Centre may look when illuminated red. It is not a photograph of the 2026 Wear Red Day display.
