I think it will be good up in Newcastle, Liverpool would have been good too.

Well I'm already going, just waiting for all the official stuff to come out.

I'd imagine Newcastle has been chosen as it's a popular place for 18-24's to go and get p*ssed since the rise of Geordie Shore and other related sh*t that's all over tele.

I'm sick of hearing people go on like it is being held in John O'Groats, how will this sport ever develop when people start hyperventilating if required to travel further than Leeds?

Manchester and Liverpool both have an hourly train direct to Newcastle, there are loads from Leeds for supporters from Yorkshire. The drive across the A66 is stunning with some great places to stop and eat.

It's hardly like crowds at Eastlands were a huge increase on Cardiff.

I'll be making my way over, it'll be a longer journey and will cost more but it'll still be the same product, which has been fantastic from us in recent years, players and fans.

With the recent introduction of teams in Gloucester, Hemel Hemstead and Oxford, plus I believe Coventry next year, I think that the Midlands would have been an inteligent choice for a venue (sorry I know the RFL don't go together).
Perhaps the Ricoh Stadium, Coventry,Villa Park or Leicester City?

Because they're in horrible locations with nothing in the near vicinity to entertain people when they're not at a game.

Why would people travel from the North West/Yorkshire to those places?

Three of those teams you mentioned aren't even in the Midlands and locals won't just turn up in meaningful numbers because there's a new amateur team knocking about.

As mentioned by others New castle will appeal to a fair few existing supporters who will make a weekend of it due to the night life.

Newcastle is the most suitable alternative available.

Newcastle will be a brilliant venue and a brilliant weekend.

I lived there for 5 years.

The locals love sports of all kinds and really get out to support the events - not just football.
City centre is compact and you can easily walk around - or take the Metro.

Night life for those who like a drink or two, or like going to night clubs is excellent and at that time of year it'll definately be mini-skirt time (mind you it is in October too!)

For others there's the beach at Tynemouth or museums, river rides or further afield great countryside or towns close by like Durham.

It really frustrates me when fans get upset with something new - or a new venue like this.

Cost - yes it costs, and more than going to Manchester for the majority, but compared to most other sports the 'M62 corridor' mentality is one that holds back our sport, not assists it!

I've no doubt it'll be a great weekend and a great success

Great choice.

I've booked hotel rooms for 4 of the weekends in May (Not paid for and able to cancel obviously). The last "weekend" has a Bank Holiday but Newcastle play at home so that's unlikely to change. The first weekend is the same and Newcastle play away. The newspaper report that others have referred to states "late May" though. I would hope that a BH weekend is chosen otherwise the attendance on the Sunday could be affected.

I've never been to St James Park or Newcastle. Is the ground far from the City Centre, Pubs , Bars & Restaurants etc.
Does City Centre Newcastle have any resemblance to the lower end of Bridge street?

The ground is slap bang in the centre, and Newcastle is an amazing city. I for one can't wait.

GHF is right.
10 mins from all the bars, pubs and restauraunts.
'The' place is the Bigg Market. Wall to wall entertainment. Makes Bridge St look very tame.
It's a pedestrian area (cobbled street) - very wide and about 200 yeards long with many side streets - and hundreds are there on a weekend evening - make that 1000's over the Magic weekend.
But then there's the Quayside which has a similar atmosphere but more spread out.

I defy anyone not to have a good time there - especially if it's the first visit.

Sound's good, If I'm not working that weekend I will be going.

The bank holiday is on the 25th May when Newcastle are indeed at home on the Sunday 24th (this is also the last weekend of the Premier League season, so all matches are played on this day), but the last weekend in May is the 30th/31st. I'm assuming this is when the Magic weekend will take place. I'm looking forward to going to St James park too.

I cycled through Newcastle doing the C2C. Beautiful City, just hate the accent.