And Events Around the Tyne Valley
We are finally seeing the beginning of lighter mornings and nights, and it has been fantastic to go to work to the sound of birdsong and the sights of blush pink skies. (The sunsets as of late have also been breathtaking with blazing red hues.)
The lighter months bring an end to the winter blues. Did you know that Google searches for ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ rise 500% over winter? Less than 3% of the population have an official diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (NHS 2023) but it is very much real. Many find that the cold, dreary days leave them feeling sluggish and struggling to maintain mental wellness habits.
With summer fast approaching, it is the perfect time to rejoice in the better weather, to shake ourselves off and say goodbye to some of the blues.
The lighter days are also an excellent opportunity to explore new horizons, whether that’s literally on sightseeing walks or by simply trying new things. I’ve recently gotten a dog, so this summer will be all about getting out and about – letting him explore pastures anew.
If you want to experience something new, there are plenty of exciting opportunities and events happening in the Tyne Valley and Newcastle area this year.
For example:
Hexham Abbey’s 1350 Birthday Celebrations
This year, Hexham celebrates 1350 years since the foundation of St Wilfrid’s original church. Throughout 2024, Hexham Abbey has a packed programme of festivals, exhibitions, performances, and celebrations marking this monumental milestone.
Back in February, celebrations began with a ‘Festival of Flame’, which included a fire garden and light shows. Thousands of origami stars were raised to the ceiling, each created by local people and visitors, and were dedicated to a special person. Stretching from the old choir stalls to the high altar, they are lit from each side. You can’t read the dedications from the floor, but that keeps the memories even more private, present, and special, just like a prayer. This fabulous display is called the Stars of Eternity, and you can see it during the Abbey’s opening times. It’s definitely a sight to see.
The celebrations continue throughout the year. For example, the Anniversary Voices event happens on 15th March. The Antiphon Choir and Hexham Abbey Choir join forces for an evening of spectacular choral enchantment.
There are also plans for a flower festival in July and a music and arts festival in September. Keep a note of it in your events calendar and keep a watch on the Abbey’s website for more details.
Newcastle Puppetry Festival
During the Easter holidays, the Newcastle Puppetry Festival returns for its 5th edition. Running from 30th March to the 7th of April, it will offer a wide variety of events across the city.
It’s all thanks to Moving Parts Arts CIO, the local arts charity, and the festival will feature over 100 free and ticketed puppetry events, including workshops, films, talks and performances for adults and children alike.
One of the venues will be the Great North Museum Hancock in Newcastle and will host ‘Puppetry on the Green’. This is 6 days of free performances and workshops on the grass outside the museum. You can see shows such as ‘Beowulf’ and ‘Tales of Robin Hood’ completely for free, alongside a programme of kid’s crafts workshops. It’s not just for the kids though, as workshops for adults and professional puppeteers will also run throughout the week at the museum.
Northumberland Balloon Festival
Whilst similar events have been popular across the country, for example, with the largest annual meeting of hot air balloons in Europe, this is something brand new to the area! The Northumberland Balloon Festival is set to take place this summer over three days, from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th July.
25 balloons of different forms are set to ascend and descend in the skies above Tynedale Rugby Club in Corbridge. Organised by Ashington-based Richardson’s Amusements Limited and London-based Exclusive Ballooning, the festival will also feature other family-friendly activities and entertainment.
When speaking to Chronicle Live about the event, organiser Peter Richardson said, ‘Being a Northumberland Events company, we wanted to bring it here and we’ve been able to do so, and hopefully we can make it a successful annual event.”
From 5 pm on Friday, there will be the Hot Air Balloons Night Glow. On Saturday from 12 noon, the big, official launch of the balloons will decorate the skies. And on Sunday, from 12 noon, a smaller balloon launch will occur.
There’ll also be funfair rides, food trucks, crowd performers such as magicians, and music from local bands and singers.
As the first of its kind in the region, it’ll be great for this event to have as much support as possible, and there’s something for all the family. You can buy tickets from their website or find the link on their Facebook page.
There’ll undoubtedly be more events advertised in this magazine, including the What’s On Pages of different villages. For example, I’m currently hunting for a book club and have a few initial meetings scheduled throughout March to find the right fit. Like me, if you want to reach out and try a new hobby, why not try finding a new group?
The lighter days are the perfect time to experience what the community has to offer. Whether that means taking advantage of the sunny weather or curling up indoors to try out something new.
