Blyth celebrates: full line-up unveiled for town’s creative festival
From illuminated sculptures and puppet-making to choir performances and textile workshops, the full programme for Blyth Celebrates has now been confirmed - and it’s promising to be a wide-ranging showcase of local creativity, community pride and cultural diversity.
Launched at the end of June, the calendar runs from next month (August) through to March 2026 and now includes 38 new projects and activities, bringing the total to over 60 free events involving more than 50 artists, community organisations and cultural partners.
The unveiling of the finalised programme marks the next phase in the town’s year-long cultural celebration, forming a key part of the wider £95 million Energising Blyth regeneration initiative.
The events span performances, exhibitions, hands-on workshops and family activities - many of which are being delivered by local people and organisations through the Blyth Celebrates Fund. This fund was created to bring forward community-led ideas and help foster greater pride in Blyth through creativity.
“It was such a rewarding experience to help shape the events happening right here in Blyth,” said Dale Cartie, a local resident and member of the Community Celebrations Residents Selection Panel.
“Being part of the panel meant we could choose ideas that truly reflect our community and the things we care about. It’s not often you get the chance to have a real say in what happens in your own town – and I’m proud to have been part of something that brings people together and puts Blyth’s voices at the heart of it all.”
New additions to the calendar include the Fisherfolk dance and storytelling performances by Meta4 Dance Company, created with input from local residents and celebrating the town’s rich maritime history.
Creative workshops from Blossoming Communities will culminate in a public art exhibition, while young people are helping to shape a projection installation with artists Ellie Land and Paul Trickett for Making Light, due to light up Market Square in November.
There’s also a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, with events like Blyth Family Pride and We Are Family offering pride-themed family fun, and cultural celebrations from organisations such as SCENE, Dialogue Society and Blyth Tall Ship.
“From large-scale artworks to grassroots workshops, there are so many ways for people to take part, share stories, and connect with the town,” said Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism at Northumberland County Council.
“Whether you’re discovering Blyth’s maritime heritage, making puppets with your children, or spotting artwork throughout the town, this programme reflects the unique spirit of our community.”
The full programme also includes seasonal highlights such as a Halloween Puppet Making Workshop, a Festive Community Get Together on Christmas Day, and a Celebration Concert by the Ashington & District Male Voice Choir in February.
Several events are hosted at the new Market Pavilion - the venue at the heart of Blyth’s transformation - as well as across public spaces, parks and community hubs.
A number of longer-running projects are also planned to build momentum throughout the year. In January, giant photographic portraits of local residents will appear on buildings as part of You Heard Us - Blyth - presented by Lizzie Klotz and Luca Rutherford; while February will see the building of Blyth Journeys, an immersive installation from Mark Parry, exploring memory and storytelling through everyday objects.
For organisers and community members alike, the expanded line-up is a powerful reminder of what creative investment can mean for a town.
“These events show the incredible creativity and sense of togetherness that Blyth Celebrates is bringing to the town and its regeneration,” said Coun Pattison.
To explore the full list of events and sign up for updates, visit www.blythcelebrates.co.uk.