WHITLEY BAY LIGHT PARADE 2020

Here's an update from the organiser of Whitley Bay Light Parade 2020: Whitley Bay Goldwing Light Parade 2020.

OK everyone here goes, our Whitley Bay Light Parade is still planned to go on, We have been in contact this week with North Tyneside Council to hold our Light Parade on the Saturday 19th September 2020. We are one of three outdoor events they are keen to support. The event will be run under current Government guidelines for covid-19. We have also recently visited Whitley Bay Caravan Park to see what arrangements have been made and all is set up there.

Please remember that this decision has been made in line with government guidelines and current up to date information. This however could change at short notice.

Everything is the same as our other light parades on the Saturday morning we will meet at THE LINKS in Whitley Bay and the static display starts 10.00am, Border Wings will be there from 8.00am to set up and to marshal bikes onto the display area. Bikes will be spaced out for the wingers and members of publics protection. Border will set up a gazebo for inscription, limited numbers will be allowed in there at one time, please also wear a mask when entering. Hand sanitising stations will be positioned around the event area. R N L I will also be in attendance with collection buckets.

The parade sets off at 7.30pm from Briar Dene Car Park, the route is the same but from Spanish City the council has put in a pop up cycle lane that takes over one side of the road from Whitley Bay right along the coast to Tynemouth. The council have given us dispensation to use the cycle lane. The road on the way back is open to normal traffic. The light parade will return back to the Briar Dene Car Park where all show lights should be turned off.

It is important that if you feel unwell, please do not attend. Also please consider your own health conditions and age. We will do our best to keep everyone safe in these difficult times.

At the caravan park. Downstairs has been made into a restaurant till 9pm, so Friday if you want to come into the complex, seating will be upstairs but has a capacity limit. Saturday night we should be okay to use downstairs. There is no entertainment on as live bands cannot perform, also we cannot use a microphone for announcements, however as normal we will still have a good time at the only light parade this year.

Please be aware that the coronavirus is still with us and if there is a sudden outburst in the Whitley Bay area the Government can lock us down, lets hope this is not the case. If the light parade is cancelled and the caravan park is still open then our suggestion would be to still come, make a weekend break out of it and come and visit some of the many local attractions we have.

Micky Price