Tyne and Wear is a
metropolitan area of some 1.1 million people. It covers some 54,014
hectares, which is only 6% of the North East Region's land but contains 43%
of the Region's population. The conurbation straddles the larger River Tyne
to the north of the county and smaller River Wear to the south. Tyne and
Wear is split into 5 administrative areas. The City of Newcastle upon Tyne
and North Tyneside lie to north bank of the Tyne while Gateshead and South
Tyneside lie on the south bank. The City of Sunderland straddles both sides
of the River Wear. The Newcastle Gateshead Quayside is one of Britain's most dramatic waterfronts. Gateshead Quays lie at the heart of Tyneside next to the world famous Tyne Bridge. Sunderland is the largest city in England's North East Region, with a population of almost 300,000 North Tyneside is home to the 'Window on the World' Festival at North Shields Fish Quay, which is one of Europe's largest free festivals. It attracts millions of visitors each May and includes street theatre, dance, folk music and carnival. |