Blaydon Races - 150th Anniversary Campaign

150th Anniversary Campaign

In December 2010 an on-line petition was launched calling for "...a clear and sustained commitment on the part of Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead Councils to work hand-in-hand with the Geordie people...to help deliver an appropriate celebration of the 150th anniversary of Mr George Ridley's world-famous anthem of Tyneside." The Campaign currently has over 5,000 registered supporters in all media including 2,071 (Apr, 2012) signatories to the petition. On November 9, 2011, Chi Onwurah MP presented a Parliamentary Petition to the Speaker of the House of Commons in support of the Campaign. Since August 2011, Campaign Group Members have been in ongoing dialogue with the two Councils. As a result of these discussions, the core campaign objective of delivering an on-street event on the actual anniversary of 9 June 2012 has been achieved. A series of additional "satellite" events have also been organised including a week-long beer festival at The Hotspur pub, Percy Street, Newcastle upon Tyne and a "Geordie Oompah" event at The Ware Rooms, Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne on the night of 9 June. A copy-cat group in London is bringing this bit of Northumbrian culture to the capital . But the Campaign Group continues to hold discussions with a broad range of other local organisations and institutions regarding additional events that they will hold to support a wider celebration of the anniversary.