Home » Travel Events In UK » Travel Delays Expected As Newcastle and Sunderland Brace for Major Events: Here’s What You Need To Know Published on
August 21, 2025As Newcastle and Sunderland gear up for a weekend packed with high-profile events, travelers are being urged to plan ahead for potential delays due to increased crowds and transport disruptions. Newcastle will host a series of musical performances, including headliner Kings of Leon at the Come Together Festival, while Sunderland is set to welcome visitors for the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. These events are expected to draw thousands of tourists, contributing to a boost in local tourism and economic activity, but they also present challenges for public transport and road networks.The Come Together Festival, taking place on the Town Moor, will see ten thousand concert goers attending to see Kings of Leon, while the Park Series Reggae Festival in Leazes Park will feature UB40. Additionally, comedian Peter Kay is performing at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Friday, which promises to further increase the number of visitors to the city. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will be the venue for the highly anticipated opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, where England will face off against USA.Advertisement Newcastle: Concerts, Festivals, and Travel DisruptionsIn Newcastle, the Come Together Festival is expected to cause some traffic and transport challenges. The festival began on Wednesday, with performances from Robbie Williams, Kaiser Chiefs, and Perrie from Little Mix. On Friday, Kings of Leon will headline the event, joined by other major artists like The Courteeners. Due to the influx of visitors, several major roads and Metro stations will be affected by closures.The A167 (M) central motorway from Newbridge Street to Great North Road will be closed from 00:00 – 08:00 BST on Friday, while Claremont Road will also close briefly during the event to ensure crowd safety during departure. The Metro operator Nexus has warned that station closures will be in effect at West Jesmond and Ilford Road from 15:00 BST on Friday. As a result, travelers are advised to alight at Jesmond or Haymarket stations instead.This disruption comes as Newcastle experiences a surge in tourism, with these large-scale events playing a key role in bringing both local and international visitors to the city. The heightened interest in events, such as the Come Together Festival, is expected to significantly boost tourism revenues for local businesses, such as restaurants and …
