Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Lindisfarne Festival, the 2016 event for over 18s promises to be even bigger and better, while still retaining its independence, intimacy and fun atmosphere. Held on Beal Farm, Northumberland from the 1st to 4th September 2016, organisers are delighted to announce their first wave of acts. On the bill includes Reef, The Cuban Brothers, Beardyman, Little Comets, Molotov Jukebox (including lead singer Natalia Tena from Game of Thrones and Harry Potter), Mercury nominated C Duncan, world renowned and Northumbrian born Kathryn Tickell & Superfolkus, Lisbon and Shields amongst many more.Reef will play the headline slot on the Saturday night with Friday’s headliner and many more major acts still to be announced. Other artists include The Church, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, Bridie Jackson & The Arbour, Blue Rose Code, Elephant Sessions, Funkliners, Pinact, Cattle & Cain, Ms Mcq, M1 Dukebox, The Happy Cats and Hip Hop Hooray. The line-up plays host to a number of critically acclaimed artists across genres including indie, funk, rock, soul, jazz, hip-hop, dance and folk alongside a great showcase of North East talent.The niche camping festival for over 18s, which overlooks the mystical Holy Island will also feature a range of DJ’s, holistic therapies, creative arts and a wide selection of high quality local food and ale. If a giggle is what you are after, festival goers won’t be disappointed with the comedy and poetry tent promising to offer up a variety of talent. This year campers will also be given the opportunity to arrive early on the Thursday evening, 1st September to settle in, pitch their tents and enjoy some light entertainment before the main event starts on the Friday afternoon. Entertainment will be on until 4am for anyone wanting to dance till dawn.Conleth Maenpaa, Owner of Nokomis and Bor Events and Founder of Lindisfarne Festival commented: “We were completely overwhelmed by the feedback and support received for Lindisfarne Festival last year and we are working hard to build on this success for 2016. We were so proud the North East got behind us to make this happen and being shortlisted for Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards 2015 was simply the icing on the cake, giving us a real platform to grow from.Our plan this year is to build on what we have created, growing capacity slightly as demand increases but still retaining the cool, intimate and friendly vibe we have become renowned for. We have a few surprises up our sleeves but can’t reveal too much at this stage! We also want to encourage more first time festival goers to come along as we had quite a number who attended last year and once there wondered why they hadn’t come to one sooner.Conleth Maenpaa added:“We are really excited by our line-up and are working hard to secure more great acts with further announcements to be made in due course. We urge people to buy their tickets early as we anticipate higher demand this year. Tier 3 tickets will be available to buy from Monday 22nd February at £85 for a weekend ticket and £50 for a Saturday ticket. We also have a buy 10 for the price of 8 offer for group bookings and all tickets include free camping. Our line up and information about ticket sales can be found on our facebook, twitter page and website http://www.lindisfarnefestival.com/. We hope people will join us on our journey to make this yet another truly magical event that we can be proud of.”

Sanderson Arcade’s team of Beadles are stepping out in style this week in their new look uniform inspired by Northumberland’s rich heritage.The brand new bespoke uniform has been designed and supplied by the London tailors Joseph Alan and is the first time the Beadles outfit has been updated since the Arcade was officially opened by Joanna Lumley OBE in November 2009.The Beadles are the Arcade’s customer service team who are also a great source of local knowledge and information and always on hand to help visitors and shoppers to Sanderson Arcade.The smart new uniform will help customers to easily identify the staff and has been designed to tie in with the colours of Northumberland. The red and gold of the county’s flag is reflected in the jacket and the uniform also includes a black and white traditional Northumbrian tartan tie and waistcoat. The traditional top hat and waistcoat will remain part of the smart new look in keeping with the Arcade’s Edwardian style architecture.Medi Parry, Centre Manager for Sanderson Arcade said: "The Beadles are a great asset to the Arcade and a big part of the community here in Morpeth. When we decided to update the uniform we thought it would be nice to reflect the local area in the colours which we chose. “It’s important that our customer service team stand out and are smart and approachable – we think they look fantastic and we hope our will shoppers agree."For more information about news and events at Sanderson Arcade visit www.sandersonarcade.co.uk

Attractions from North Northumberland struck gold in the 2015 regional tourism awards. Visitor attractions and tourism businesses from across Northumbria will be eager to build on that success in 2016 as they welcome hospitality providers to this year’s North Tourism Fairs in Alnwick and Hexham.The Alnwick Tourism Fair will take place on Wednesday 16th March at Willowburn Sports & Leisure Centre serving North Northumberland and the Borders, followed by the Hexham Tourism Fair at Hexham Mart on Thursday 17th March serving the Heart of Northumberland and the Tyne Valley.Jude Leitch, General Manager of Northumberland Tourism says: “Last year was another great year for visitors to Northumberland. The county is full of contrasts, a magical place filled with ancient castles, hidden gardens, unspoilt golden sandy beaches, rolling hills, rugged moorland, sweeping views, and friendly market towns and villages. Small wonder that it remains a favoured location for film and tv dramas. As we prepare for the 2016 season the North Tourism Fairs are excellent networking events and a chance to showcase why Northumberland is so highly rated as a domestic holiday destination.”Bruce Hewison of the Alnwick Tourism Association says: “The Tourism Fairs herald the beginning of a new season for many of our members. Holidaying at home is becoming the preferred choice for many people, and Northumberland ranks amongst the best in the country as a destination. Tourism is the second largest employer in the county and plays a vital role in our regional economy.”“Northumberland’s natural assets feature regularly in film and tv, and the Robson Green tv series has encouraged even more people to discover for themselves the delights North Northumberland”, adds Jeff Sutheran of the North Northumberland Tourism Association. “We are proud of local award-winners, St Cuthbert’s House B & B and the Bamburgh Castle Inn. We are looking forward to another busy summer season in 2016.”Hospitality providers from around the county and the Borders will be welcomed at the events which will take place from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Members of the public are also welcome. Refreshments provided by Alnwick’s Olive Branch café will be available throughout the day and admission is free."We regularly register over 100 exhibitors at Alnwick. At Hexham this year will have the added attraction of the Meet the Maker event taking place at the same venue on the same day.” says Philip Angier of event organiser, Local Living. "The Tourism Fairs are a ‘don’t miss’ date in the calendar for accommodation providers to collect information about local attractions for their guests. And they are also a great way for local people to find out about festivals and events in 2016 and family days out.”

Northumberland National Park is urging the region and National Park lovers everywhere to get voting and help ensure it wins the prestigious accolade of National Park of The Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.Northumberland National Park was nominated for the award by BBC presenter Ellie Harrison after the magazine asked experts to draw up a shortlist of nominees for each category. The nomination highlights the National Park’s “meadows, moorland, peat bogs, ancient woodlands and still-wild coastline” and its “vivid history, solitude, dark skies and superb wildlife such as stoats, black grouse and red squirrels.”Now it needs your support to win by voting online via the BBC Countryfile Magazine website: http://www.countryfile.com/awards2015-16. Voting closes on Sunday 31 January.The awards, now in their fifth year, are a celebration of Britain’s countryside and its people from great heritage attractions and favourite holiday destinations, to the best nature reserves and the finest rural pubs.Glen Sanderson, chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “This nomination is a great achievement for Northumberland National Park and once again recognises the county’s outstanding natural beauty on a national stage. “The variety we have on offer in our National Park is totally unique. We’ve just celebrated the second anniversary of our designation as an International Dark Skies Park, which puts us firmly on the global map as one of the very best places to enjoy the glittering treasures of the night sky. And where else can you go that will take you from walking in the footsteps of the Romans to stepping further back in time at Iron Age Hillforts, enjoying panoramic views into Scotland from the Border Ridge, or trying local produce and crafts made by the park’s many skilled artisans?“We’ve already had some fantastic support from our partners, visitors and companies across the region to help us spread the word and urge people to vote for us. If we win this award I’ve no doubt that the national recognition will provide a great boost to our region’s tourism industry. Whatever you’re looking for – flora, fauna, countryside activities, star-gazing, history, culture, or just somewhere to escape from it all – we have it in abundance. Your vote can help us to secure this prestigious accolade and enable lots more visitors to enjoy our stunning destination.”Last year 1.69 million people visited the park and surrounding areas. The most popular reasons for visiting were a long walk (48%) and a short walk (45%). Next is eating out (27%), visiting a historic site (26%), visiting an attraction (21%), photography (15%), car touring (8%) and cycling/mountain biking (7%).With fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, Northumberland National Park is the most sparsely populated UK National Park at 0.02 people per hectare. Open access land accounts for 72% of the park and there are 1,140km of public rights of way and a further 90km of permissive routes.Other National Parks nominated in the category are Cairngorms, Pembrokeshire Coast, Norfolk Broads and New Forest.The winners will be announced in an online ceremony in March and will appear in the May issue of the magazine (on sale 8 April). Postal votes are also accepted; write to BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards, BBC Countryfile Magazine, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN.

National Trust 2015 review highlights how the weather has affected wildlifeWarm spell in early spring sees Frogs and Roe Deer flourishCold snap in late spring restricts food source for native birdsStormy weather batters breeding birds on Farne IslandsStrong autumn winds and milder weather results in unusual sightings2015 was another challenging year for wildlife, with many new issues coming to the fore, say experts at the National Trust as part of its annual weather and wildlife review.The conservation charity, which looks after almost 250,000 hectares of land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, conducts the review across its places every year to help paint a picture of how the year’s weather has affected the nation’s wildlife against a long-term backdrop of decline for 60% of species in the UK.The year started well with the sunniest winter on record providing a stark contrast to the stormy weather which kicked off 2014. Spring arrived late, however, and summer migrant birds were held up by northerly winds. Despite the sunniest April on record since recording began in 1929, the weather quickly deteriorated in May as the jet stream jumped south.The cold month that followed led to a generally wet and remarkably windy summer, notably in the north. After which a milder September and October was followed with autumn rains arriving only after the warmest November day on record (01 November).The flooding and destruction caused by storm Desmond at the beginning of December, particularly in Cumbria and the North East, showed the intensity of extreme weather events that are likely to increase in frequency thanks to climate change. Experts at the National Trust say that not enough is yet know about the impact of storms like this on life in rivers and on land that has been flooded.Stephen Morley, wildlife and countryside Adviser for the National Trust in the North said:“It’s been a mixed year for wildlife across the country due to the weather, and it’s no different in the North East. The sunny weather in early spring allowed some native species to get off to a flying start, notably Roe Deer and Frogs in the North East. The cold, wet weather that followed has a negative impact on our native and breeding seabirds as their ability to feed was hugely restricted. Milder weather later in the year saw many species recover, but also some unusually unseasonal sightings including Cowslips flowering in November.”Matthew Oates, nature and wildlife expert for the National Trust said: “Every year our wildlife has to deal with our weather’s highs and lows, and this year was certainly no different. This summary illustrates how our wildlife has fared over the last year, but long-term trends show the enormous challenges we face to reverse the worrying rate of decline”Weather and wildlife in the North East:1) Without any late frosts to catch them out, most of the Frog spawn at Wallington was successful with thousands of little Froglets hatching.2) A dry sunny start to spring has led to an increase in sightings of Roe Deer juveniles at Wallington this year.3) The cold snap in late spring had an impact on the food available for native birds. Bird ringing volunteers at Gibside reported poor survival rates of the Great, Blue and Coal Tit chicks, and the rangers at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge noticed lots of abandoned nests.4) A storm in early May saw south-easterly winds batter the Farne Islands, destroying many of the eggs laid by cliff-nesting species including Shags and Guillemots.5) Swallows arrived for summer later than usual this year at Wallington, with far fewer making it back than in previous years.6) Rhododendrons at Cragside, which usually cover the estate in bloom from late May, flowered up to three weeks later than usual this year.7) Mid-July saw 31.5ml of rain fall on the Farne Islands. Puffin burrows were flooded, Kittiwake nests were washed clean off the cliffs and many Arctic Tern chicks died in the rain. 8) Strong westerly-winds are thought to have blown the Buff-Breasted Sandpiper spotted on The Leas in September, across the Atlantic. The wading bird breeds in Alaska and North Canada and usually overwinters in South America.9) Bats in a newly discovered roost at Gibside Stables were active into November this year, when they’d usually have moved to their winter hibernation site.10) The mild autumnal weather could be the cause of some un-seasonal sightings along The Leas in November when rangers spotted a Cowslip in bloom and a Red Admiral Butterfly.11) Strong easterly winds in late October bought an influx of Goldcrests on their autumn migration to The Leas near Souter Lighthouse where rangers ringed a total of 238 birds.Other wildlife news this year from across the North East1) In January rangers captured the first ever video footage of an Otter family at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge. Several Otters have also been spotted at Cragside this year and the head gardener at Wallington spotted an Otter in the Walled Garden for the first time in his 25 years working there.2) A total of 49 Little Terns fledged at their nesting site at Long Nanny on the Northumberland Coast where five National Trust rangers camp out for three months over the summer to protect this rare species from land predators.3) It’s been a poor summer for Butterflies with rangers at both Gibside and Wallington reporting decreased sightings during annual surveys and whilst out working.4) Regular surveys of Dormice nest boxes at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge have ended with no sightings this year, but rangers are hopeful that the species has not disappeared from the area all together, and that they have just moved from their previous nesting grounds.5) The results are in from the annual breeding seabird surveys on the Farne Islands. Headlines from the survey confirmed that Guillemots have had another record year with 53,461 counted despite the storms in May, but the Arctic Tern saw 600 less breeding pairs this year due to the stormy weather.6) This year rangers on the Farne Islands have had a record breaking year for cetaceans with 157 separate sightings. Highlights include 30 sightings of White-Beaked Dolphins and a Basking Shark.

Living the wild life is on the agenda for visitors to Kielder Water & Forest Park thanks to a National Lottery funding boost.The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust an initial grant of £17,700 to develop its ‘Living Wild at Kielder’ project.The project will help people experience and learn about the area’s special animals and plants through the development of ‘nature hubs’ and a year round events and activity programme.Wildlife trails will be created from Stonehaugh, Falstone and Greenhaugh villages with support from the local community, while wildlife ambassadors and volunteers will inspire and engage with visitors.The Trust will also work with businesses to increase the number of people taking part in wildlife events and activities.There are plans to improve visitor interpretation and support the long-term protection of the Park’s wildlife, particularly at Bakethin Nature Reserve which provides an important sanctuary for local plants, birds and other wildlife.Kielder Salmon Centre, which has been a major contributor to turning the River Tyne into the best salmon fishing river in England and Wales, will also benefit from the project by seeing improved visitor facilities at the site.Lynn Turner, Director of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “We’re home to the largest man-made lake in northern Europe and England’s largest working forest, so it’s no wonder we attract such impressive and diverse wildlife with the sheer variety of habitats on offer.“We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund have given us the support for our ‘Living Wild at Kielder’ project, and it’s great to know that we are a step closer to animating the Park’s amazing wildlife for the benefit of our visitors and the local community.”The award-winning Park is home to 60% of the UK's native red squirrel population and in 2009, ospreys returned to the area following an absence of more than 200 years in Northumberland.Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a great opportunity to really bring to life the amazing variety of wildlife that lives in and around Kielder Water & Forest Park, which is one of the main reasons people visit to the area.“A wild day out at Kielder can include seeing everything from raptors to red squirrels, ospreys to badgers and owls, and there is a real sense of being in a really wild place.This funding will help people find out about the wildlife spectacle that is Kielder.”Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust plans to progress an application for a full grant of £341,500 from Heritage Lottery Fund in spring 2016.Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we’re delighted to offer our support to this project which will transform the way visitors can experience the fantastic natural heritage at one of Northumberland’s key attractions. We look forward to seeing the plans develop.”Northumbrian Water, Forestry Commission, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency will help deliver the project with the Trust, with the support of Northumberland National Park Authority and Newcastle University.

There were celebrations all round today following Northumberland National Park’s nomination as National Park of The Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.Northumberland National Park has been nominated for the prestigious National Park of the Year Award by BBC presenter Ellie Harrison after BBC Countryfile Magazine asked experts to draw up a shortlist of nominees for each Award category.Glen Sanderson, Chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “We are hugely delighted to be nominated for the National Park of the Year Award. I am sure that this national recognition will really help put Northumberland National Park even more on the map and attract lots more visitors, allowing them to enjoy our stunning destination. Being nominated is largely down to the fantastic dedicated staff that we have working within the National Park Authority, of whom I am very proud.“The choice we have on offer in our National Park is unique. You can go from walking in the footsteps of the Romans, to stepping further back in time at Iron Age Hillforts, and from taking in the panoramic views into Scotland from the Border Ridge to sampling the local produce and crafts of the Park’s many skilled artisans. Whatever you’re looking for – whether flora, fauna, countryside activities, history, culture including the distinctive Northumbrian music and dialect or simply just somewhere to escape from it all – we have it in abundance.”The BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015-16, now in their fifth year, are a celebration of Britain’s countryside and its people from great heritage attractions and favourite holiday destinations, to the best nature reserves and the finest rural pubs. The 2015-16 Awards launch in the January 2016 issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine, on sale 18 December 2015, and feature 11 categories.Fergus Collins, editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, commented: “With increasing pressures on the countryside and wider natural environment, it’s even more vital to shout about what makes rural Britain so special. Our annual awards help champion our landscapes, our wildlife and our country heroes. This year’s nominees represent the best of rural Britain and are exceptional examples of what the UK’s countryside has to offer.”Help ensure Northumberland National Park wins the National Park of the Year Award by voting online via the BBC Countryfile Magazine website: http://www.countryfile.com/awards2015-16Voting closes on 31 January. The winners will be announced in an online ceremony in March and will appear in the May issue of the magazine (on sale 8 April). Postal votes are also accepted: Write to: BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards, BBC Countryfile Magazine, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN

The National Trust has come up with seven great days out to ensure you avoid spending all of your Christmas time off indoors. From stargazing to family days out and great winter walks, here are some top suggestions for things to do over the holidays… Twximas at Seaton Delaval Hall Don your festive jumpers and bobble hats and bring the whole family, including the dog, and explore Seaton Delaval Hall over the twixmas period. They’ll be open from 11am to 3pm from 27th - 31st December 2023, welcoming visitors who want to walk off their Christmas dinner, try out their new bike or scooter and meander around the gardens. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seatondelavalhall Festive Christmas Decoration Making Enjoy making a Christmas decoration at Cragside. Families can make their own unique decoration made from wood, taking a piece of Cragside home with you and a memory you can treasure always. To find out more visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside  Visit a castle Lindisfarne Castle opens every year on certain days between Christmas and New Year so that you can escape to the tranquillity of Holy Island and enjoy a relaxing post-Christmas day out. After a bracing walk along the coast, warm up inside the castle and discover a holiday home by the sea like no other. For more information and opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lindisfarnecastle Enjoy a Christmas Craft This year enjoy making something for a loved one or for yourself at one of Wallington’s Christmas craft workshops, from book folding to wreath making, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information and to book one of their workshop events visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington  Go for a walk Heading out for a Boxing Day or New Year's Day walk is a tradition for many families. If you fancy trying a new route this year, you can take inspiration from National Trust rangers who work in the countryside all year round. They’ve suggested their favourite winter walks at places like Hadrian’s Wall, the Northumberland Coast, Wallington and Cragside. You can find the list and download a route at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northeast You can find out more about attractions and activities you and your loved ones can enjoy this winter by exploring our blog, including the best winter walks, the most delicious winter food, including Sunday lunches, Christmas markets to visit in the region, as well as the best things to do on the lead up to the big day.

Friends of the North Pole will be making the trip to the Arcade on December 12th from 10am till 4pm.The reindeers will be bringing the magic of Christmas to the centre with the chance for young shoppers to meet and feed them throughout the day.The reindeers are owned by Richardson Garden Centre of County Durham who started rearing them several years ago. The reindeer can be found by the Arcade’s festive display in the piazza area.On the same date the ‘Garden of Remembrance’ will be officially opened next to The Tree of Light by the Duchess of Northumberland.Morpeth First School will be performing Christmas carols at 3pm with the garden being officially opened at 3:30pm by the Duchess of Northumberland who will unveil a plaque at the garden and place the first light.Messages for loved ones can be left on the Tree of Light and children can also place a light in the garden of remembrance which will be lit for 72 hours.The proceeds from the project will go to the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Cancer Research North East and Barnabas Safe and Sound – the Arcade’s chosen charity for the year.Centre Manager Medi Parry said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the reindeers back to The Arcade; they’re always so popular with the children in the run up to Christmas.“It is also an extremely special day for us here and we cannot wait to welcome the Duchess of Northumberland to the Arcade to open the Garden of Remembrance.”Sanderson Arcade will also have free mince pies and mulled wine with live music every Sunday throughout December.Other entertainment in December includes the ever popular Tom Wylie, New Dickensians and the Vieux Carre Jazzmen.

Northumberland has won Silver in the Best UK Holiday Destination/County in the prestigious 2015 British Travel awards last night. Rising above well-loved tourist destinations Devon and the Pembrokeshire Coast, the county was just pipped to the post by tourism giants Cornwall, who took Gold for the seventh time in a row. It has been a long wait since voting closed at the end of September. Hot on the heels of a hugely successful night at the 2015 North East England Tourism Awards earlier this week, the team at Northumberland Tourism couldn’t be happier with the result.Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “This is a great result for Northumberland, showing the county is considered amongst the top visitor destinations in the UK.Far from being disappointed, for a county sometimes known as England’s last ‘hidden gem’ to place second to an established brand such as Cornwall for the second time in a row is hugely encouraging. It shows a consistent popularity with the general public and that we’re a real contender in terms of staycation destinations. To place ahead of destinations Devon and the Pembrokeshire Coast is something of which we can be very proud.We want to thank voters, supporters and everyone involved for their overwhelming support throughout the campaign.”The voting campaign aimed to encourage visitors and residents alike to vote for Northumberland and “Share the Northumberland Spirit”. This year, local businesses and attractions have been key to the push for success by consistently encouraging their social media followers to vote, as well as great support from local media.Also giving their support were a range of famous Northumbrians and others with links to the county including Sting, Robson Green, Jack Charlton, and Ann Cleeves, author of the ‘Vera’ crime novels on which the hit ITV series is based.Ann Cleeves said: “The Vera of my books captures the spirit of Northumberland. She’s rugged, individual, but worth getting to know. However, the country is much more beautiful.”Spearheaded by Northumberland Tourism in partnership with Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council, all organisations have been thrilled with the level of support throughout the campaign.Councillor Valerie Tyler, Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “Our rise in recent years to become one of England’s most loved destinations is down to the excellent people and spirit we now have in place to deliver Northumberland as a great place to visit.“Northumberland County Council and our delivery partner, Active Northumberland see tourism as being absolutely critical in growing the economy of the county and we are working tirelessly both directly and through our partnerships to achieve sustained growth.“Businesses now see the value in the visitor economy and spurred on by the national profile we have achieved through our collaboration on the Tales From Northumberland TV series, they are feeling confident about their offer and are investing in superb facilities and quality experiences for our visitors.”

It was a fantastic night for Northumberland businesses at the 2015 North East England Tourism Awards last night.In her welcome speech at the event, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative Sarah Stewart said this year’s awards were “the biggest yet” which saw a record-breaking 120 businesses submitting entries into the awards. From there, 58 businesses were shortlisted across 15 awards categories showcasing the wide variety of quality tourism businesses throughout the North East region.Northumberland businesses were shortlisted in eleven categories. From that, they scooped seven Gold awards, along with a further five Silver, five Bronze and four Highly Commended awards.It was a particularly successful night for St Cuthbert’s House B&B, who won Gold for both ‘Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Tourism’. Other Gold award winners were Bamburgh Castle Inn, Leaplish Waterside Park, Morpeth Tourist Information and Craft Centre, Blacksmith’s Cottage, and Kielder Observatory. All winners now have the opportunity to compete nationally at VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence in 2016. In last year’s awards, Northumberland business Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa won Gold in Large Hotel of the Year and went on to win Gold nationally, meaning they were officially recognised as the best in the country.Jude Leitch, Director of Northumberland Tourism, is thrilled with the result: “This is a fantastic achievement for Northumberland businesses. Our tourism offering is growing year on year, so it is great to see all efforts rewarded with such regional recognition.With this year seeing the largest volume of applicants into the awards, every category is highly contested. However, special recognition has to be made to St Cuthbert’s House, winning two Gold awards. As past winners of VisitEngland’s Best B&B of the Year, their consistently excellent offering to guests really must be admired. Along with all of the Gold award winners, we wish them every success in the 2016 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.”The full list of Northumbrian winners:Tourism Pub of the YearBamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses - GoldThe Angel of Corbridge - SilverHoliday Park/Village of the Year Leaplish Waterside Park, Kielder - GoldSpringhouse Country Park, Slaley – BronzeVisitor Information Provider of the YearMorpeth Tourist Information and Craft Centre - GoldBerwick-upon-Tweed Tourist Information Centre - BronzeAccess for All TourismThe Hog’s Head Inn, Alnwick – SilverCalvert Trust Kielder – Highly CommendedTourism Event of the YearNorthumberland County Show – Highly CommendedTaste of England Northumberland Cheese Company – SilverSelf-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year Blacksmith’s Cottage, Alnham – GoldHesleyside Huts - SilverSpringhill Farm Holiday Accommodation, Seahouses - BronzeCalvert Trust Kielder – Highly CommendedSmall Hotel of the YearNewton Hall – SilverDoxford Hall Hotel & Spa – BronzeSmall Visitor Attraction of the Year Kielder Observatory – GoldBed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the YearSt Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses – GoldThe Old Manse, Chatton – BronzeSustainable TourismSt Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses – GoldSlate & Nature, West Woodburn – Highly Commended Image: Morpeth Tourist Information and Craft Centre, Gail Johnson

The historic colliery site at Woodhorn Museum will be transformed into a magical landscape for Woodhorn’s Weekend of Wonder on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December.The two days will be filled with music, light and fun for the whole family; including the popular Christmas craft fayre with its fabulous selection of gifts, food and treats from some of the best makers and crafters from across the region.During each day artist Bethan Maddocks will be welcome families to take part in free art workshops. Glass jars will be turned into kaleidoscopes of colour and images inspired by fire, light, nature and industry. Visitors will then see their own mini works of art incorporated into a beautiful and dazzling sculpture as darkness falls.The Woodhorn site itself will receive a magical make over as renowned outdoor art performance company, Walk the Plank, transform the grounds into a magical Fire Garden. Accompanied by a unique soundscape, the stunning and inspirational sculptural garden will gradually shimmer and glow as the daylight begins to fade. As dusk falls, flame and foliage combine, trees flicker and crackle and extraordinary flowers belch great plumes of fire as visitors explore the captivating landscape. Rachel Adam, Director of bait who has co-commissioned the Weekend of Wonder said, “We’re really excited about welcoming families to see the site transformed using fire, light and sound”“As dusk falls the Fire Garden will illuminate. Visitors will be invited to explore flame lined paths among copper flowers that breathe fire, carefully carved flaming flower boxes and scorching sculptural trees. Musical Director Mariam Rezaei will lead local bands and choirs in live performances through the garden, with the opportunity for visitors to join in!”Woodhorn’s Director Keith Merrin believes this fantastic weekend will be a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to get into the seasonal spirit.“With everything that’s going on, including Father Christmas checking out who’s been naughty and nice in his stable grotto, a pop-up photo moon-booth and, for the very first time at Woodhorn, the opportunity to go skating on a huge rink in the historic Pit Yard, the Weekend of Wonder really does have something to thrill all ages.”The Weekend of Wonder is open 11am – 6pm on both days. Admission is free, with all day parking just £3.50. Arriva will be operating a bus service direct to Woodhorn from Ashington bus station on both days from 1.30pm (last bus returns 6.15pm).Charges apply for Father Christmas and the WonderIce rink (scientifically engineered surface and structure that lets skaters glide just as smoothly as on real ice).Skating and Father Christmas will also be available every weekend from 28 November up to Christmas plus Monday 21 – Wednesday 23 December.After school skating sessions will also be available on Thursdays and Fridays 3.30pm – 5pm between 3 and 18 December.