09 Jun, Blaydon, Newcastle upon Tyne

“Aw went to Blaydon Races, 'twas on the ninth of Joon,
Eiteen hundred an' sixty-two, on a summer's efternoon;
Aw tyuk the 'bus frae Balmbra's, an' she wis heavy laden,
Away we went alang Collingwood Street, that's on the road to Blaydon.

(chorus)
Ah me lads, ye shud have seen us gannin',
We pass'd the foaks upon the road just as they wor stannin';
Thor wes lots o' lads an' lasses there, all wi' smiling faces,
Gawn alang the Scotswood Road, to see the Blaydon Races”

George Ridley 1835 – 1864 (Tyneside Concert Hall Song Writer and performer / Geordie Genius)

The first verse and chorus of the well known 'Blaydon Races' song.

As everyone from the North East well knows, it was in Eighteen Hundred and Sixty Two, on a summer's afternoon that the bus was first loaded for Blaydon. And come June 9th 2012, it will be the 150th anniversary of that auspicious day.

A determined band of proud Geordies are actively campaigning for the event to be recognised as a date to be celebrated in Newcastle and Gateshead. You can register your support and find more information on the campaign here.

The campaign is growing ever stronger and a number of organisations have affiliated themselves to the activity. These include: The Shipley Art Gallery, Beamish Museum, The Bridge Folk Club, The Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle Racing and Events, Tyne Rowing Club, United For Newcastle and many more.

If you’re in the area and joining in the celebrations why not stay at Euro Hostel Newcastle and get yourself a huge discount on accommodation.

Newcastle city centre is a short two minute walk from Euro Hostel. See here for location details.

Discounted car parking is available adjacent to the Euro Hostel, less than a minute’s walk. See here for details.

All bedrooms have en-suite facilities and can cater for 1 – 10 persons, with all rates inclusive of continental breakfast.

Prices start at £29.00 for a private room or £16.00 per bed in a shared dorm.

Best rates guaranteed for city centre accommodation.

Don’t forget to visit The Ware Rooms @ Euro Hostel Newcastle for a fantastic selection of great value food and drinks, with all day dining available between 10.00 a.m. and 10 p.m., see here for the menu.

There is also a brilliant menu of cocktails for all tastes including the legendary Porn Star Martini!

See more events tagged with Other, Festivals, Newcastle, The Ware Rooms or Euro Hostel.