Dacia Magic Weekend returns to St James' Park

A bumper weekend of action, all live on Sky Sports, will kick-off on the Saturday with Castleford Tigers taking on Salford Red Devils before reigning Betfred Super League Champions, St Helens, face Catalans Dragons. Day one rounds off with Leeds Rhinos taking on Hull FC.

Sunday sees the return of Leigh Centurions to Magic and St James’ Park, the venue of their only previous appearance in 2017. The newly promoted Centurions will take on Hull KR in the final game of the weekend following on from Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves.

Super League chief commercial officer, Rhodri Jones said: “Dacia Magic Weekend is an important part of the Betfred Super League calendar and it is great to have the event back in our plans for the upcoming 2021 season.

“Following the Prime Minister’s latest update about the easing of lockdown restrictions, we are optimistic that we will be able to welcome fans into St James’ Park to enjoy the festival atmosphere that makes Dacia Magic Weekend so special”

“With the event falling later in the calendar this year, it could be all to play for in the closing stages of the season with teams chasing the League Leaders shield, play-off spots or looking to avoid relegation.”

“I’d like to pay thanks to Dacia for their on-going support of this event as well as our event partners at Newcastle United, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative and NE1, and once again to Sky Sports for continuing to bring fans their excellent coverage of this unique event.”

Callum Chamberlain, Senior Brand Communications Manager at Dacia said: “Dacia Magic Weekend is an incredible moment in the rugby league calendar, so we are delighted with the recent announcement that the event will take place over the 4^th and 5^th September at St James’ Park. Super League have worked incredibly hard to pull together an exciting, jam-packed weekend of fixtures and Dacia is proud and excited to continue to play a part in this pinnacle event.”

Cllr Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture said: “I am really pleased that Super League is planning on bringing back Magic Weekend to Newcastle this September.

“Our city has a world class reputation for hosting events, and we have an unrivalled passion for all sports and culture. Newcastle knows how to put on a show and we look forward to welcoming fans from across the country to enjoy the weekend in our great city.

"The Prime Minister's route out of lockdown means fans will once again return to stadiums in the coming months, meaning we can look forward to this excellent event with renewed optimism. 

“The Covid pandemic has already impacted many of the events that take place in Newcastle every year, spectacular showcases which welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors and support businesses across the region. It is vital that as part of our recovery we develop and host events of all shapes and sizes and provide unique experiences across Newcastle and provide a much-needed boost to our wider economy.

“It is important that we look ahead to this event and plan for any eventuality. The vaccine roll out, localised test and trace systems and a greater understanding of the virus provide us a glimmer of hope that Magic Weekend can once again attract record crowds to St James’ Park. However, if any restrictions are still in place, we will work closely with the Super League, NE1 and businesses across the city to maximise on the opportunity in whatever way possible.”

Stephen Patterson Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd said: “We are delighted that a date has been set for Magic Weekend’s welcome return to Newcastle. 

"We were obviously disappointed the event had to be postponed last year but now the date is set, we can all look forward to the celebrations in September. Magic Weekend is always a highlight in the city’s event calendar, and we hope that by the autumn we’ll be able to welcome the fans back to St James’ Park to enjoy all the associated activities that the event brings. 

"Magic Weekend and all its loyal supporters always give a huge boost to trade in Newcastle and this year, will play a significant part in helping the city and the wider region to bounce back from the pandemic.”