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Newcastle remembers visit of Martin Luther King

BBC Tyne BridgeBBC
The Tyne bridge was closed for more than seven hours

The Tyne Bridge and more than 20 Tyneside roads were closed on Sunday as street performances celebrated worldwide civil rights achievements.

The Freedom on the Tyne event marked the 50th anniversary of a visit to Newcastle by American civil rights campaigner Dr Martin Luther King.

Five pageants setting off from different areas of Newcastle and Gateshead converged on the bridge.

Civil rights struggles in South Africa and India were also marked.

The Tyne Bridge was closed to traffic from 13:00 GMT until 20:30, while 24 other roads were closed or had restrictions at various times throughout the day.

Newcastle University Martin Luther King at Newcastle UniversityNewcastle University
Dr King accepted his honorary degree from Newcastle University in November 1967

In November 1967, Newcastle University gave Dr King an honorary degree - the only UK university to do so during his lifetime.

The following impromptu acceptance speech would be his last public address outside of the US before his assassination almost six months later.

NGI Freedom on the TyneNGI
Crowds gathered to watch street pageants taking place across Newcastle and gateshead
NGI Freedom on the TyneNGI
Costumed performers re-enacted civil rights struggles

Tim Supple, director of Freedom on the Tyne, said: "The iconic Tyne Bridge is a thrilling setting for the climax of this unique city-wide performance commemorating Martin Luther King and those who risked their lives to gain our freedoms.

"The people of Newcastle and Gateshead are the stars of the performance showcasing epic civil rights struggles from across the globe.

"Standing together on the Tyne Bridge in a moment of reflection and solidarity for civil rights is a powerful and striking image to send the world."