Newcastle road closures on Thursday will see city centre traffic stopped during the Jingle Bell Walk

As those preparing to take part in the Jingle Bell Walk on Thursday are busy digging out their festive woollies - and bells - plans are also afoot to close parts of Newcastle city centre for the event.

The annual will see a musical procession of families in Santa hats and carrying jingle bells make its way from Newcastle Civic Centre - following the lighting of the city's Christmas tree - down to the Millennium Bridge.

And during the event, which will get under way at 6pm on November 28, there will be road closures in place to ensure their safety.

For drivers concerned about rush-hour traffic or public transport users wondering about potential changes to their bus route, here are the roads which will be affected.

A previous Jingle Bell Walk from Newcastle's Civic Centre to the quayside in aid of the Chris Lucas Trust (Newcastle Chronicle)

Road closures and route

Northumberland Street - full length

Blackett Street - Closed between Northumberland Street and Grey Street

Grey Street - full length closure

Dean Street - full length closure

Sandhill to Newcastle Quayside closed for approximately 500 metres

Timings

Timings are approximate and are dependent upon the numbers attending the Jingle Bell Walk which will take place between 6pm and 9pm. The lighting of the Christmas tree is set to take place at 5.30pm.

During this there will be a process of rolling road closures in place as the parade progresses along the route which will affect city centre services.

These closures are expected to last no longer than 15-20 minutes at each stage. The crossing from Northumberland Street into Blackett Street and onto Grey Street will be a key point.

City centre buses may experience short delays and temporarily may not be able to use normal stops on Blackett Street, Market Street, Grainger Street and Newgate Street.

A spokesman for one bus company Stagecoach said: "We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding and apologise for any inconvenience or delays that the event may cause."

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