The best thing about Good Friday in many North East households is getting fish and chips.
But that can be a double-edged sword, especially when your favourite takeaway is a popular one: queues. However, one chippy owner on the Northumberland Coast has got something up his sleeve to keep his loyal customers entertained on one of his takeaway's busiest days of the year.
If you couldn't get enough of sea shanties during the pandemic, the Harbour View in Seaton Sluice is ready to help you get your fix. As visitors wait for their chippy tea in queues that can take more than an hour to dwindle, they'll be serenaded by a local folk and pop singer from nearby Amble.
Read more: Why your fish and chips will be more expensive this Good Friday
Laura Victoria, who performs traditional Northumbrian folk songs accompanied by her cello, said: "I love singing traditional folk songs from Northumberland, especially if they're about the sea because I love the Northumbrian coast. I am looking forward to putting these into context at the Good Friday appearance and entertaining everyone in the queue."
Laura studied Folk and Traditional Music at Newcastle University and works as a vocal coach and choir leader. And if you find yourself in the queue for Good Friday fish and not able to get enough of her music, she'll be appearing at the Lindisfarne Festival this summer.
Where are you going for your fish and chips this Good Friday? Let us know in the comments below!
It's not the first time the Harbour View's boss, Waseem Mir, has provided entertainment on Good Friday. Previously, he's had magicians, balloon animals, and face painters - and Laura isn't the first singer to appear.
Waseem, who has ordered three times his normal quantity of cod and potatoes to meet demand, said: "It’s going to be busy as usual this Good Friday, and I hope people enjoy Laura’s talent as well as our food.
"I’d also like to ask people coming by car to park considerately. We are open long hours and there will be enough fish and chips for everyone."
Due to the huge demand for takeaways this Easter weekend, the Harbour View's restaurant will be closed. It is open for takeaway on Good Friday and Easter Monday from 11.30am - 8.30pm and Saturday April 16 from 11.30am - 9pm.
