On 10 October 2026, Berwick Lighthouse marked 200 years since it was first lit. The celebrations also recognise the 150th anniversary of the Port of Berwick. The Maltings is working with the Berwick Harbour Commission and a range of local creative and community partners to mark the occasion through music, art, storytelling, light and opportunities for people to take part.
The programme reflects the many ways the lighthouse continues to inspire the town, from its maritime history and the people connected to it to its distinctive architecture, light, landscape and sense of place.
A Lighthouse Brought to Life Through Light and Sound
A highlight of the opening weekend was In The Lighthouse, a new sound and light installation by North East artist Ed Carter that explores the human stories behind the lighthouse.
The work was inspired by the selfless endeavour of lighthouse keepers, and in particular by the remarkable story of Robina Burgon. She was Berwick’s first female lighthouse keeper and possibly the first in the country. Robina took on the role in 1927, and again in 1929 when her father, Alexander Burgon, fell ill. Historic interviews with Robina gave Carter a unique personal view of her life in the lighthouse, and her words appeared in light at Ness Gate, overlooking Pier Road and the lighthouse, on 10 and 11 October.
A 400lb Lighthouse Made of Cake
The celebrations also brought a curious piece of Berwick history back to life. In 1907, local chocolatier and baker John Jacob Simmen created a 400lb fruit cake in the shape of Berwick Lighthouse, with slices sold to customers from his Café Royal on Berwick High Street.
More than a century later, Jim Ford of Ford’s Bakers recreated the tradition with a new celebratory Lighthouse cake. It was shared with the community on 10 October alongside the Berwick Literary Festival family programme, Babblin’ Animal Raps by Christian Foley and music from May Thompson’s mini-band.
Remembering the Audela
The lighthouse’s story is inseparable from Berwick’s relationship with the sea and the ships built and sailed from the town. The Audela was the last ship to be built in Berwick, and the last cruise boat to leave Berwick for the Caribbean while the lighthouse was still in operation.
Artist Claire Eason of Soul2Sand is bringing the Audela’s story back to life with a drone light drawing in the sky beside the lighthouse. It celebrates the ships, journeys and people connected to Berwick’s harbour, and the lighthouse that stood watch over them.
From the Lighthouse to the Shore
On Saturday 17 October, Soul2Sand takes Lighthouse 200 to Spittal Point Beach with a large-scale sand drawing. It is made by hand from 11am and will eventually be reclaimed by the sea. From 2pm, visitors can help finish the artwork by creating their own star constellations in the sand in free 20-minute sessions. Watching is free, and you need to book a session to take part.
Music Inspired by the Lighthouse
The celebrations end with an outdoor concert at the Lowry Pavilion at 4pm on Saturday 17 October, with the lighthouse in view. Berwick Ensembles will premiere a newly commissioned piece inspired by Berwick Lighthouse. It will be performed by local musicians of all ages, including Berwick Schools Concert Band, Berwick Music School, Berwick Brass Quintet, Berwick Concert Band and a children’s chorus.
A Celebration Shaped by Berwick
The programme has been developed by The Maltings with artists, musicians, the Berwick Harbour Commission and local organisations and community partners.
David Barrett, Chair of Berwick Harbour Commissioners, said: “The lighthouse is something that belongs to the whole town, so we wanted the 200th anniversary to feel like a genuinely shared celebration. The Maltings’ work with local musicians, artists, bakers and community groups allows us to look at this familiar landmark in completely new ways.”
From light and sound to literature, cake, maritime history, sand art and live music, Lighthouse 200 invites everyone to see Berwick Lighthouse not just as a historic building, but as a source of creativity, inspiration and shared stories.
Lighthouse 200 Finale: Saturday 17 October
- From 11am: Lighthouse 200 sand drawing, Spittal Point Beach (free to watch)
- 2pm to 3.40pm: sessions to add your own star constellations to the sand drawing (free, booking required; last session starts 3.20pm)
- 4pm: Lighthouse 200 Celebration Concert, Lowry Pavilion
