A Northumberland festival that celebrates the North East will make a full return for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.
The Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering will take place from April 14 to 16, with music, song, craft, dance, stories, heritage and workshops on the packed schedule.
The festival returns to the town centre after being cancelled during lockdown and taking place online for the last two years, with the organising committee saying manpower, finances and suppliers were affected.
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Committee chairman Kim Bobby-Wilson said: "We couldn’t be certain that we could stage a fully live festival until quite late in the day with many of our usual helpers and participants out of action, and the challenges of spiralling costs and changes to venues - but we are now thrilled to announce that the traditional showpiece event on Saturday morning, the procession of costumed entertainers and bands, can in fact take place, and the usual free Park and Ride for visitors will also operate from the County Hall overflow car park.”
The parade on Saturday morning will descend on Newgate Street and is expected to reach the Town Hall at 11am where a speech of welcome will be given by the Morpeth Gadgy Alex Swailes MBE, alongside the Mayor of Morpeth and the Civic Head of Northumberland County Council.
For the first time the committee says it is having to pay substantial costs for the safety aspect, and regrettably the Gathering’s street collection cannot take place this year.
Kim added: "As in previous years, the main road will be closed for just over an hour from 10.30am between Manchester Street and Chantry Place, with the diversion around Damside, Stanley Terrace and Wellway.
"For the first time we are having to pay substantial costs for the safety aspect, and regrettably the Gathering’s street collection cannot take place this year.
"However, we hope people will come into the Town Hall and other venues open for our events, to make cash donations, and online donations can be made through our GoFundMe page.”
Across the weekend special events commemorate past Gathering supporters, while looking to the future there are many family activities aimed at encouraging young people to enjoy our local tales, crafts and music.
Other family entertainment includes arts activities and storytelling in various indoor and outdoor venues such as the new Leisure Centre Library.
For a full list of details visit here.
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