Eclipse on the Tyne sells out as thousands prepare to witness a rare celestial event on the Gateshead Quayside

Eclipse on the Tyne has officially sold out! On Wednesday 12 August, 2,500 visitors will gather at Baltic Square, Gateshead Quayside, to experience one of the most impressive partial solar eclipses visible from the UK in years. Hosted by Kielder Observatory in partnership with The Glasshouse and Go North East, the event will combine live astronomy commentary, family activities, solar viewing and a live broadcast of the total solar eclipse from Spain, bringing the wonder of the universe to the heart of the North East.

A unique celebration of astronomy, science and community has officially sold out, with 2,500 people set to gather at Baltic Square on Wednesday 12 August for Eclipse on the Tyne, a special event marking one of the most impressive partial solar eclipses visible from the UK in years.

Hosted by Kielder Observatory, in partnership with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Go North East, the free event will bring together families, astronomy enthusiasts and curious minds for an evening of live science, activities and a shared moment beneath the sky along the Quayside.

The partial solar eclipse will begin in the North East just after 6pm and reach its maximum shortly after 7pm, with more than 90% of the Sun’s disc covered by the Moon. This makes it one of the most significant solar events visible from the UK for decades, with the next similarly impressive eclipse not expected until 2090.

Visitors attending Eclipse on the Tyne will receive a free pair of certified solar eclipse glasses, allowing them to experience the eclipse safely as it unfolds. Alongside live astronomy commentary from the Kielder Observatory team, the event will feature family-friendly activities, solar photography demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about the science behind eclipses.

The evening will also include a live broadcast of the total solar eclipse taking place in Spain, shown on giant screens at Baltic Square courtesy of timeanddate.com. This will allow visitors to experience both the local partial eclipse and the breathtaking total eclipse from elsewhere in Europe.

A celebration across the Tyne

The event forms part of a wider celebration of astronomy across the region, bringing the expertise and enthusiasm of Kielder Observatory from the dark skies of Northumberland to the heart of Gateshead Quayside. Drinks, music and the atmosphere of a shared public event will combine with astronomy expertise to create an accessible introduction to one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.

For those attending the ticketed Eeeclipse! The Talk inside The Glasshouse earlier in the evening, entry to the main Eclipse on the Tyne viewing event is included. Talk attendees can continue their experience outside in Baltic Square as the eclipse begins.

A record-breaking response

Demand for Eclipse on the Tyne exceeded expectations, with tickets claimed shortly after release and significant interest from across the region and beyond.

The response highlights the growing enthusiasm for astronomy and science experiences in the North East and reflects the region’s reputation as one of the best places in the UK to connect people with the wonders of the universe.

“We are delighted by the incredible response to Eclipse on the Tyne,” said the Kielder Observatory team. “An eclipse is a truly shared experience: it brings people together to look up, ask questions and experience something extraordinary happening in our own skies. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to the Quayside for what promises to be a memorable evening — fingers crossed for clear skies!”

Win your own smart telescope

As part of the Eclipse on the Tyne celebrations, visitors and supporters will also have the opportunity to enter a special raffle for the chance to win a SeeStar S30 Pro Total Eclipse Edition smart telescope, generously donated by First Light Optics.

Designed to make exploring the night sky more accessible, the SeeStar S30 Pro combines smart technology with astronomy, allowing users to capture images of celestial objects and discover more about the universe from their own garden or local dark-sky location.

The raffle supports the work of Kielder Observatory, helping us continue our mission to inspire curiosity, encourage scientific discovery and make astronomy accessible to as many people as possible.

We are incredibly grateful to First Light Optics for its generous support and for helping us bring the excitement of astronomy beyond Eclipse on the Tyne itself.

Find out more and enter the Eclipse Raffle.

Important information for ticket holders

As the event is now sold out, there will be no tickets available on the door. Only those with a valid event ticket will be able to access the Eclipse on the Tyne viewing area.

Attendees are reminded to bring their ticket and collect their free solar eclipse glasses from the collection point at The Glasshouse. Solar eclipse glasses must be worn to view the eclipse safely.

For any queries, please see our Eclipse on the Tyne FAQ or email our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Kielder Observatory team is looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to Gateshead Quayside for an unforgettable evening celebrating one of the universe’s most spectacular events.

Eclipse on the Tyne

• Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
• Location: Baltic Square, Gateshead Quayside
• Time: 6pm–8pm (talk at 5pm)