Best Event Northumberland Award: Blyth in a New Light

Mar 25 2009 By The Journal

WINNER - Blyth in a New Light

IN November 2008, Blyth was once again lit up in spectacular fashion. It was the third consecutive Blyth in a New Light event and built upon the shining reputation of its two preceding incarnations. A pyrotechnics team returned to the streets with a healthy smattering of surprises up their sleeves to delight around 35,000 visitors.

Street theatre and other entertainment went hand-in-hand with the lighting up of buildings and houses, turning the town into a glowing fairyland.

Nigel Walsh, cultural services manager, Blyth Valley Council, said: “The concept for Blyth in a New Light was driven by the desire to deliver a world class event that would be transformational; this inherent desire has driven the event team to excel year after year. The 2008 event certainly fired the imagination of the 35,000 residents and visitors who enjoyed the evening’s entertainment.”

FINALIST - Northumberland Lights

Record numbers of light-loving visitors flocked to this year’s Northumberland Lights, which launched on October 28, 2008 at Seaton Delaval Hall.

More than 40,000 people enjoyed the diverse events that took place from Blyth to the Borders and out to Kielder Water and Forest Park.

Incorporating three core shows, a one-night-only guerrilla lighting schedule for nominated public buildings and landmarks, and a raft of live performance, sound, film and pyrotechnics, this was another glowing jewel in the county’s crown.

Kielder – Out of Water was a particularly magical experience which saw the forest meeting the water and providing a backdrop to a collection of visual music talents.

FINALIST - Hexham Book Festival

Although only in its fourth year, the Hexham Book Festival has already achieved much to be proud of.

As well as attracting high profile and acclaimed writers to Northumberland and specifically Tynedale – the 2008 event included appointments with Val McDermid and Stella Duffy, Germaine Greer and John Burton – the Festival can also boast a burgeoning reputation as a serious national literary event, well regarded from inside and outside the region.