Weekend events prove a knockout despite poor weather

Aug 16 2010 by Phil Doherty, The Journal

CROWDS flocked to a number of big events in the region despite overcast skies and rain.

The Slaley Show in Northumberland saw hundreds of people attend the 151st year of the popular event held in a 10-acre pasture in the village.

Visitors saw local agricultural skills from the Northumbria Dry Stone Walling Association and there was a chance to see the rare breed of Highland and Galloway cattle, owned by James Wilson.

For children there was a Punch and Judy show, a magician, face painting, and a bouncy castle.

For all the family there was a display of Irish dancing by the Hannah Murphy school of Irish dancing led by Kathleen Murphy.

Show Secretary Vicky Hutchinson said: “Everything went ahead as normal apart from the weather. But eventually the sun did shine and even more people turned up to enjoy the day. We had lots of displays in the industrial section but the pony events were slightly down on last year.

“But it ended up being a great event and everyone attending thoroughly enjoyed themselves as there was something for all the family.”

In Sunderland the crack of muskets and clash of swords was heard once again as Roundheads and Cavaliers did battle.

The event at Hylton Castle brought the 17th Century to Wearside as the Sealed Knot re-enactment group presented the Battle of Hylton Castle.

With the historic ruined stone castle looming in the background, hundreds of living-history actors donned period clothes and shouldered muskets, bayonets and pikes to re-create the feel of a Civil War battlefield.

At the weekend, the conflict at Hylton was re-enacted by regiments of musketeers and pikemen, supported by the cavalry and cannons, while a living history camp provided a taste of typical 17th century life. The action started with a bang when a cannon was fired before there was a demonstration by the musket regiments and artillery of how to load, present and fire their weapons.

Men at arms carrying the pike demonstrated postures and drill from the time, with children invited to have a go for themselves. Armed with mini-pikes, special scaled-down versions of the real thing, the youngsters gave the real pikemen of the Sealed Knot a real run for their money.

Crowds also gathered at an It’s A Knockout competition held at Bents Park, South Shields, in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice.