Soak up the atmosphere of European club rugby’s blue-riband weekend at the Champions Rugby Village on Newcastle’s iconic Quayside, which tens of thousands of people are expected to visit. Big screens will broadcast the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals live in the fan zones, where there will be plenty of live music, entertainment, food, drink and university boat races. In addition, there will be family-friendly games and competitions in Baltic Square. A sensational weekend of European rugby began with a launch event on Thursday evening on Quayside and will come to an end on Saturday night at 10.30pm with a spectacular firework display. For those not fortunate enough to have finals tickets or locals simply out to make the most of the occasion, the EPCR Champions Rugby Village will be the place to be. With music from Gateshead’s Smoove & Turrell and Hyde Park Brass, other performers and activities, there will be almost constant action alongside the world-class rugby on show over the weekend. [jwplayer EigYvnyF] You will also be able to book an exhilarating zip wire trip from the iconic Tyne Bridge down to the Quayside and there will be various street theatre and rugby activities – including the chance to try to kick a ball across the Tyne – plus a main stage hosted by media partner Heart North East. At the Champions Rugby Village launch on Thursday evening, EPCR Independent Chairman Simon Halliday said: "We've been waiting nearly two years to get here and the excitement has been building for months. “We have got four of the best teams in Europe contesting two finals in the next 48 hours so we couldn’t be more excited. “A great fan experience is what we are all about and this Champions Rugby Village is the start of that, with Newcastle being legendary for its ability to entertain people.” EPCR Director General Vincent Gaillard added: "It will be a wonderful celebration of European Rugby throughout the weekend. The work done by the city, the council, Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle United Football Club has been quite exceptional. “The city of Newcastle has a lot to offer and between the atmosphere at the Champions Rugby Village and the quality of the finals, it will be a fantastic weekend.” Champions Rugby Village opening times: Friday 10 May: 10am – 11pm Saturday 11 May: 10am – 11pm