More than 4,500 Blaydon Racers will be sent on their way in style tonight, June 9, with a celebrity upgrade to two of the iconic race's most important traditions.
The famous race, forever immortalised in the words of Geordie Ridley's folk song, is marking its 41st anniversary this year with special guests on Newcastle Quayside. And there's an extra surprise for the runners and thousands of spectators expected to line the Quayside for the start at 7.15pm.
Consett-born world-renowned opera singer Graeme Danby will lead all runners, supporters and spectators in a rendition of the famous Blaydon Races folk song before former Lioness and England goalkeeper Carly Telford will ring the Blaydon Race Bell to signal the start of the 2023 race.
