Northumberland Events

Northumberland plays host to many events throughout the year, so you will never be short of things to do in Northumberland. If you want a true experience of Northumberland, look no further than the wide selection of festivals and shows. From traditional village shows in the shadows of the Cheviot Hills to the increasingly popular music festivals in Alnwick and Hexham, all have a distinct programme of events and friendly atmosphere.

As you would expect from Northumberland, many of our events take place in, and take advantage of, our wonderful landscapes. Throughout the year you can take part in guided walking events to discover the beauty and history of remote areas of countryside, or you can join expert guides to spot our rarest wildlife.

If you’re planning to visit Northumberland during the school holidays or on bank holidays you won’t be disappointed. Many of the English Heritage and National Trust managed properties host everything from themed fairs to historical re-enactments. 

During the summer, Northumberland's county shows and village festivals of varying magnitude celebrate the countryside. The biggest include Slaley Agricultural Show, the Northumberland County Show at Corbridge, Berwick Border Green Festival, Otterburn Festival and Northumberland's largest - The Glendale Show at Wooler.

With a spectacular coastline having shaped the history and cultural heritage of the county, Northumberland also celebrates a vibrant maritime and fishing tradition at Amble Sea Fayre Festival, Seahouses Festival, and Berwick-upon-Tweed's Tweedmouth Feast. The countryside is home to unique events too, such as the Haltwhistle Walking Festival.

Many gardens, castles and historic houses are focal points for events. Alnwick Castle Tournament, Alnwick International Music Festival, Warkworth Show, Bamburgh Village Show and Brinkburn Music Summer Festival enjoy iconic backdrops. Belsay Hall, Wallington Hall and The Alnwick Garden also host open-air theatre and music performances throughout the year.

If you want to combine a relaxing holiday in Northumberland with acquiring new skills, Fifiefofum offers one-day artistic workshops in everything from working with textiles and jewellery making, to carving and photography.

Cinema, music, dance and theatre is in abundance at Alnwick Playhouse, Queen's Hall Hexham and Berwick-upon-Tweed's Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre. Alnwick Food Festival and Tynedale Beer Festival are two of many gastronomic highlights. Catch the races at Hexham Racecourse, the home of National Hunt Racing in Northumberland, perched high above the historic market town of Hexham - surely Britain's most scenic racecourse.

As the nights draw in and winter approaches, take the kids to explore Kielder Winter Wonderland or enjoy Northumberland Lights - a dazzling light display programme during November and December illuminating the county's most popular and iconic landmarks. Head to the North Pennines on New Year's Eve for Allendale Tar Barls Festival for quite literally, a warm welcome at a truly unique event!