Description:In 1973 Newcastle celebrated its octocentenary, to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the charter, which gave Newcastle Borough status. A carnival was held to celebrate the occasion on the last Bank Holiday Monday in May. A hog roast, pictured here inside the Grosvenor, or sunken, roundabout, was one of the many events that took place during the carnival. As part of the celebrations Newcastle had been visited by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip a couple of days before this photograph was taken.
The Carnival was so popular that it has became an annual event for many years. It was held on the last Bank Holiday Monday in May and included a procession through the town, charity stalls, fun fair, and many live music performances.