The highlight of the festival this year is the opening of 3 Blaydon Races interpretation boards. The Blaydon board will be unveiled in Blaydon Precinct on Saturday 4th June at 11am, and a plaque for Jackie Broon the Bellman.

We will be publishing part 2 of the History of Blaydon. During the week we will also see the unveiling of 3 pictures about Blaydon Races in the Grainger Market in New castle. These are being painted by Ken Irving. William Irving, who painted the famous Blaydon Races picture, was his great uncle. In addition, we will be hosting a range of musical, artistic and sporting events. On the 9th June the 25th Blaydon Race will be held, with 4000 runners.

We would like to thank the following organisations, from whom we have received funding; The Local Heritage Initiative, Community Foundation, Gateshead Council and The Single Regeneration Budget.
Tom Kelly, Chairman.