A SERIES of virtual events centred around the idea of a better future for the Tyne Valley will take place this weekend.

The first ever Tynedale Transformed Festival will run from October 2 until October 4, with free, virtual events online due to coronavirus restrictions.

Music, art, and films will feature along with debates and workshops, with more than 50 groups and organisations backing the festival.

Organiser, John Hill said: “The Tynedale Transformed Festival aims to bring change across all areas of our society – democracy, education, the arts, health, housing, transport and the environment. It will be change which comes out of our local communities. And it’ll be change to a fairer and sustainable future.”

“With new restrictions in Northumberland and the prospect of a second lockdown this is exactly the right time to re-imagine the future and work together to achieve it. We all know what needs to happen.

“This festival is just the start of a movement which will push for real change in Tynedale. Whatever your politics there’s so much we can agree on. We, the community, must try to make it happen and turn our dreams into reality."

The festival opening on Friday evening with readings from winners of a flash fiction competition called “The New Normal.” It’ll be judged by award-winning Haltwhistle writer Meg Pokrass. There’ll also be a speech on the “Importance of Hope” by Claire Maxwell, Chair of the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative.

Details on the festival and free tickets for online events can be found at: tynedaletransformed.org