Excitement is building up as the clock ticks down to Newcastle's mega weekend of rugby.
As St James' Park prepares to host the European Rugby Finals which kick off on May 10-11, the other focal point for sporting action over those days will be Newcastle Quayside where the official fan zone will be set up.
The so-called Champions Rugby Village will open on May 9, running the length of the Quayside from the Tyne Bridge to Gateshead Millennium Bridge. But there are smaller fanzones and events too.
Here's a breakdown of what we know so far of the big plans to ensure the weekend will have something to attract everyone, whether a die-hard rugby fan or not.
What's the weekend all about?
Newcastle is hosting the European Rugby Challenge Cup and the European Rugby Champions Cup. These make up the two final, decider matches of the annual rugby union competition for the top two tiers of European rugby clubs. (And they're the biggest rugby occasion in the northern hemisphere outside of the international arena).
There are special events all over the city and road closures to accommodate them. We have the prices of drinks at the ground but there are also the fanzones and lots of great bars, street food venues and restaurants to enjoy in Newcastle city centre.
What is happening on the Friday?
The European Rugby Challenge Cup final between ASM Clermont Auvergne and La Rochelle takes place at St James' Park on March 10. The action gets under way at 7.45pm - and fans have had a last chance to snaffle tickets for this, priced around £20 (adults) and £10 (juniors).
We have compiled some eating out options for anyone who wants French food in Newcastle to mark the day!
And on the Saturday?
The Newcastle ground then hosts the European Rugby Champions Cup (also know as the Heineken Champions Cup) with kick-off between Leinster and Saracens at 5pm. And it's been the fastest-selling Heineken Champions Cup final ever. Due to high demand, tickets were quickly unavailable to the public.
What will be going on in the Champions Rugby Village?
If you haven't tickets for the big games then you can still celebrate the wins and revel in the atmosphere in the Quayside fanzone . Expect a buzz from the carnival-style family activities on offer; food and drink stalls; a stage and big screen. There will be prize competitions too.
When are its opening times?
The fanzone will open at 3pm on Thursday, May 9 until 11pm. Opening hours then will be:
Friday: 10am-11pm
Saturday: 10am-11pm
What drinking facilities will be inside?
There'll be a pub! The Red Lion has the look of a traditional boozer.
And you won't miss the mobile bar called the Quaff Box either, which will be serving cocktails and premium drinks.
Prices will be around £5 for a pint, medium glass of wine and single short and mixer.
What about the food menu?
Expect a range of street food-like outlets including:
Chucho's Mexican street food
Smokies Dokies - BBQ Smokehouse
Senor Churros - Spanish doughnuts
The Waffle Co - freshly-made sweet waffles, toppings, and milkshakes
Are tickets needed for the fanzone?
No, anyone is welcome to drop in. It's free.
And entertainment?
There will be a wide mix over the three days which will be hosted by Heart Radio's Kelly Scott and Justin Lockwood. There are also lots of other things to do in Newcastle too, of course! We picked out eight things to do this weekend.
What will be happening elsewhere?
There also will be smaller fanzones around the city and more family activities.
These will be taking place in Newcastle outside St James' Park Metro at Strawberry Place and Gateshead will be getting in on the action too with activities in Baltic Square. Take a look at the sports-focused Baltic Square programme , being hosted by Northern Pride. And here's a look at the Zipwire experience from the Tyne Bridge!
Transport
We have compiled a guide to getting to St James' Park and details of cheap park and ride options too.
Boat Race
As rugby plays out at St James’ Park the Quayside will be the scene of more action with the Siemens Boat Race of the North
Anything else to know?
Look out for a new local mascot to mark the event. It's a seahorse, tying in with the city's coat of arms and the area's seafaring heritage.
And don't miss the fireworks that will mark the finale to the weekend. These will take place at the Quayside at 11pm on the Saturday.
Sounds good!
And it's good news for the city too.
It's estimated that the entire weekend will have an economic impact of more than £30m, with tourism businesses, bars, cafés, restaurants , travel companies and taxis all set to benefit from travelling rugby fans.
Mick Hogan, Newcastle 2019 event director, has said of the event: “The excitement around the Newcastle 2019 Finals is really building and the plans will further enhance the experience for fans over the weekend.
"There's no doubt that Newcastle will offer a world-class experience for visitors thanks to the location of St James’ Park right in the city centre and the range of activations."
He said the aim is to attract new people to the sport and added: "There will be something for everyone; from family-friendly games and events through to bars and big screens for fans.”
A Newcastle 2019 app has also been created for the event. Newcastle 2019 is a partnership between Newcastle City Council - which is leading the way with the fanzone - and Newcastle United Football Club, NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Newcastle Falcons.
