Alnwick International Music Festival (31st July – 7th August)
Come along to Alnwick for a week of wonderful music, song and dance. This year the festival will include groups from America, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Mauritus, Rodrigues Island, North Cyprus, Poland and Switzerland, all in national costume and performing the traditional music of their native countries.
The Northumberland Hall will be open to all with a range of craft and refreshment stalls.
Free concerts will be taking place every day from 11am to 4.30pm in the Market Place and tickets for evening performances at the Alnwick Playhouse can be bought from the box office on 01665 511 333.
Corbridge Chamber Music Festival (6th – 8th August)
This three day music festival offers top quality chamber musical performances by a number of distinguished guests including the Gould Piano Trio and clarinettist Robert Plane. The festival takes place in the beautiful surroundings of St Andrew’s Church in Corbridge.
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Chopin with readings from his letters and performances of his charming waltzes and mazurkas played by pianist Benjamin Frith. Another highlight of the programme is a late evening performance of Schonberg’s romantic masterpiece Verklarte Nacht for a string sextet.
The Family Concert takes place on Saturday morning and features the Russian tale of Baba Yoga.
Tickets can be purchased from the box office on 01434 652 477.
Beach! (22nd August)
Beach! is a new cultural festival taking place on Bylth South Beach that aims promote a ‘greener Northumberland’.
There will be a fantastic mix of much local music, street theatre and comedy on two stages. The children’s village and picnic area make this event a great day out for all ages.
The festival is being produced and delivered by the Northumberland Under 25 Community team at Be Inspired in partnership with Blyth Valley Arts & Leisure.
This event is free to all.
Footfest (28th August – 5th September)
This festival takes place in the stunning surroundings of Kielder Water, Forest Park and the Northumberland National Park. Footfest offers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to explore this beautiful and varied landscape.
Experienced local guides will be on hand to help you get the most out of your activities such as walking, mountain biking, orienteering, Nordic walking and geo-caching and to help you learn more about the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
These events will be taking place at various venues across the Northumberland National Park. For more information call Shona Hendrick on 01661 855 503 or visit the National Park Centre at Once Brewed.
Hadrian’s Wall Roman Festival (29th – 30th August)
A celebration of all things Roman is taking place along the English Heritage sites along Hadrian’s Wall. Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman Town will be ready to take you back 2,000 years to a time when the Emperor Hadrian and his army ruled northern Britain.
Fully armoured Calvary soldiers will be demonstrating their battle skills. Join the ranks for some military drill practice and see if you would have had the stamina to join to ranks!
For those looking for a more relaxing Roman experience then there will be plenty of Roman artisans demonstrating their skills and the arts and crafts of ancient Rome.
To find out more visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadrianswall or call English Heritage on 01434 344 363.