Hexham acts to perform at Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering

Taking place from April 25 to 27, the event will showcase the North East's traditional music, song, craft, dance, dialect, stories, and heritage.

The event will feature more than 50 activities, including free outdoor entertainment for all ages, a Saturday morning procession, and the annual open weekend at Morpeth Castle.

The Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering is set to celebrate its 57th annual celebration (Image: Supplied) Visitors will also be able to enjoy indoor events headlined by North East folk duo Bob Fox and Stu Luckley, who are reuniting for a special concert.

Other performers include Megan Wisdom and Mossy Christian.

A strong Hexham presence will be felt, with the Hexham Morris Men, Hexham Village Band, and the Village Mummers among the scheduled acts, and Bennor Books bringing their heritage bookstall to the Town Hall crafts exhibition.

Shonaleigh, 'Storyteller' (Image: Supplied) Shonaleigh will return to Morpeth as the 'Storyteller' for the first time since her role in residence during Carlisle Park’s Millennium Project revamp.

She will retell her Myth of Morpeth, a story created in partnership with schools and community groups in the area, on the Sunday.

Earlier in the weekend, Shonaleigh will share family stories at the Library and the Gathering Storyteller’s Garden at the Old Bakehouse Yard Millennium Green, which is celebrating its 25th birthday with tales and dancing.

 (L) Mossy Christian, and (R) Megan Wisdom, are set to perform (Image: Supplied) This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Voice Male choir, which will share the stage with Werca’s Folk women’s choir at a concert on the Friday night.

Ellington Colliery Band, a mainstay of the Saturday procession and performances in the Park, is also celebrating a milestone, marking 100 years since its formation.

Aside from spectating, there will be opportunities for visitors to join in over the weekend.

This includes a church service featuring dialect hymns and readings, and a rare chance on Friday to view the civic silver and medieval guild boxes in the Town Hall.

To assist visitors on Saturday, a free vintage bus Park and Ride will be available from County Hall.

This year, however, events will be tinged with sadness following the recent death of Alex Swailes MBE, the entertainer and the Gathering’s longest-serving Morpeth Gadgy, at the age of 92.

Last year, Mr Swailes handed over the Gadgy’s role to Ron Forster, who will now lead performers and crowds in a tribute to his predecessor.

He will then "hoist the hippin on a muckle fligarishon," Northumbrian for "raise the curtain on a great celebration."

For programme details, visit northumbriana.org.uk.

Updates can also be found on Facebook.

Tickets can be purchased at Morpeth Chantry TIC, by calling 01670 623455, or by contacting 01670 513308 or kim@northumbriana.org.uk.