WASHINGTON HERITAGE FESTIVAL
@ Washington ‘F’ Pit
Saturday 15th September
11am – 4pm
FREE EVENT
Come along to the Third Washington Heritage Festival at Washington ‘F’ Pit on Saturday 15 September from 11am – 4pm.
Keelboats were used to transport coal by river to the coal ships. Have a go at loading coal onto a model keelboat and see if you can keep it afloat. See you in the activity marquee!
The parade of banners moves off from Front Street near the Washington Gardener’s Club at 10.30am, and travels to the F-Pit Museum in Albany Park to help mark the beginning of the free, family festival which ends at 4pm.
Among the banners representing Glebe, Usworth, Washington F Pit, Springwell and Harraton Collieries will be those designed by primary schools from across Washington who are also taking part in the parade.
Funded through the City Council’s Washington Area Committee and supported by the local community, the festival helps chart the fascinating history of Washington and includes music, dance, traditional crafts, games, children’s rides, exhibitions and a range of activities and attractions.
To add to the event, Washington ‘F’ Pit Museum will be open throughout the day offering guided tours offering a fascinating insight into the history of in the area.
Washington ‘F’ Pit Museum is open from 11am – 1.30pm & 2pm – 5pm
Chair of the Washington Area Committee, Councillor Bernie Scaplehorn, said: “Our community has much to be proud about, and this annual festival helps bring us all together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Washington. “
“This is truly a family event, with children at the heart of the festival. It’s a fantastic chance for them to learn more about the magnificent history and tradition of the area and feel part of it. ”
“It’s also a chance for everyone to enjoy themselves, and we hope even more people will come along to support the event this year.”
The festival begins with a Mining Banner Parade at 10.30am near Usworth and Washington Gardeners Club, which will be followed by a Brass Band performance in Albany Park.
Exhibitors inside the marquee are:
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Friends of Washington Old Hall
Tyne and Wear Archive Museums
Bowes Railway
Woman’s Institute
Washington Miner’s Banner Group
Local Studies
Gentoo
Washington History Society
Library Crafts
Mining Memorabilia
Beamish
Sustrans
and many more
Exhibitors in the park are:
Saxon Re-enactment Group
Classic Cars and Field Kitchen Cadet Groups
North East Aircraft Museum
Traditional Wood Turning
Cleverpawz Dog Agility Show
Static Birds of Prey Demonstration
Excel Climbing Wall
Blacksmith Demonstration
North of England Civic Trust
The programme will run from 11.15am – 4.00pm
Performers include:
Tony Montana
George Formby Impersonator
Medieval Jesters
Brass Bands
Rainbow Youth Orchestra
The parking around the site is limited. The 56 bus runs every 10 minutes, which leaves from Park Lane Interchange (Stand K) and will drop you off at Concord. The park is 10 minutes walk down the road.
Groups represented at the festival include:
* Washington Mining banner groups
* Beamish Museum
* Washington History Society
* Bowes Railway Company
* Durham Wildlife Trust
* ‘Wings Over Washington’ Birds of Prey static display
* ‘Cleverpawz’ dog agility team
* Local Cadets and Scouts groups
Limited free public parking is available at Washington School, Spout Lane. Parking around the festival site is limited. The 56 bus runs every 10 minutes, which leaves from Park Lane Interchange (Stand K) and drops off at Concord. The M1 and M2 services are also available with the park ten minutes walk from the bus station.
For more information contact the Learning Team on (0191) 553 2323 or
e-mail [email protected].
Or Visit here
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