NE1 has today announced the participants in this year’s 24 Doors of Christmas, the city’s alternative advent calendar and has teamed up with BBC Newcastle as a partner on the event.

Businesses in Newcastle are set to access the UK’s fastest, most resilient internet connectivity with the introduction of business-specific full fibre infrastructure throughout the NE1 postcode area.

Struggling for a Christmas present for the Geordie who has it all? Why not give them a pre-Christmas treat, a neon kayaking adventure on the Tyne. Night-time kayaking is being launched in Newcastle this winter offering people a unique adventure and the chance to experience Newcastle’s own NE1 Newcastle City Marina, the Quayside and the Tyne at night in a way that has never before been possible.

The popular Search for Santa Trail will return to Newcastle city centre on Saturday 30 November. NE1 is working with Active Newcastle to invite 300 children to book their places on a festive activity trail that will take them through the city, culminating at Newcastle Cathedral where Father Christmas will be found, along with his elves. Ticket bookings go live at 10.30 am on Thursday 24 October.