First Utility Super League stars Sam Tomkins and Michael Shenton will appear at an exciting Magic Weekend warm up event at Tyneside Cinema Bar Café, Newcastle on Friday April 29 (6pm).
Hosted by Sky Sports News reporter Fraser Dainton, the event gives fans and North East residents the opportunity to meet some of their favourite Rugby League players. Guests will also get the opportunity to have their picture taken with the Super League trophy, take part in a player question and answer session, enter a quiz to win some fantastic prizes on offer and challenge a player of their choice to a game of Geordie Jenga.
Joining Wigan Warriors & England full-back Tomkins and Castleford Tigers captain Shenton on the night will be a selection of players from Newcastle Thunder who will be there to meet fans and talk about their Magic Friday (May 20) fixture against York City Knights which attracted a large crowd last year at Kingston Park.
Returning to Wigan Warriors for the 2016 season, Tomkins was playing in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors last year and didn’t feature at St James’ Park in 2015: “I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the field with the team soon. Knowing Magic Weekend is just around the corner gives you that extra buzz,” he said.
“Newcastle is a fantastic city full of people who really enjoy their sports and going to the big events. I know there was a record attendance for the event at St James’ Park last year and I’m sure there will be big numbers again in 2016.
“It’s great to have warm up events like these in the city so we can meet new fans and have a chat with them to see what they’re looking forward to or enjoy most about Rugby League.”
Councillor Joyce McCarty, Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “We’re thrilled that Magic Weekend is coming back to Newcastle in May, which is testament to the hard work of all the partners in making last year’s event such a great success.
“This is yet another amazing opportunity to showcase what our city has to offer, as our reputation of host big sporting events of this kind goes from strength to strength, bringing enormous benefits to the city’s businesses.
Sean Bullick, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd and city sponsor of Magic Weekend added: ”We’re delighted to be welcoming Magic Weekend back to the city for the 2nd year running.
“After last year’s success, we were determined to work with our partners to bring the games back to Newcastle. St James’ Park provides an ideal premiership setting for all the rugby action and the surrounding area a fantastic venue for all the carnival style festivities that Magic Weekend delivers.
“We can’t wait for the games to get underway and we’re looking forward to welcoming the teams and their supporters back to Newcastle to enjoy the celebrations.”
The Magic Weekend event at Tyneside Cinema Bar Café is free to attend and starts from 6.00pm on Friday April 29. Full address – Tyneside Cinema Bar Café, 10-12 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6QG.
Tickets for the 2016 Magic Weekend at St. James’ Park, Newcastle, are now on sale and day tickets are priced from £25 for adults and £12.50 for concessions. Weekend tickets are also available from £40 for adults and £20 for concessions.
The Official Hotel Supplier for Magic Weekend, HotelPlanner.com, have secured the best available rates from Magic Weekend fans across the city. To book, click here.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.
The 2016 Magic Weekend schedule is as follows:
Saturday May 21
2.30pm – Salford Red Devils v Widnes Vikings
4.45pm – Castleford Tigers v Warrington Wolves
7.00pm – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors
Sunday May 22
1.00pm – Catalans Dragons v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
3.15pm – Huddersfield Giants v St Helens
5.30pm – Hull FC v Hull Kingston Rovers