Northumberland mining to be commemorated at Woodhorn Museum

Woodhorn Museum in Ashington will host the event on Saturday, June 13, from 10am to 5pm.

The Picnic has its roots in 1864, when the first gathering took place at Blyth Links, bringing together mining communities from across Northumberland to celebrate, commemorate and campaign. It has been held at Woodhorn Museum since 1992, following the closure of the pits.

The day opens at 10.30am with a memorial service paying tribute to those who dedicated their lives to Northumberland’s coal industry, and those who lost their lives in it.

This year’s service will include a moving musical tribute from the Ashington and District Male Voice Choir, who will perform Woodhorn Disaster, a piece that names all 13 miners who died in the Woodhorn Colliery disaster of 1916.

From 11:30am, the main stage will feature a succession of brass bands including Ellington Colliery Band, Jayess Newbiggin Brass Band, Bedlington Brass Band and Ashington Colliery Brass Band, before a massed bands finale at 1:10pm.

The afternoon brings Northern Proud Voices, Ladies of Midnight Blue and the Northern Monkey Brass Band.

(Image: Supplied)

Around the site will be craft workshops, percussion sessions and a Bugs and Beasties parade at 2.10pm, while writer Ed Waugh presents talks on the ‘Cramlington Eight’ and the 1926 General Strike at noon, 1pm and 2pm.

A free shuttle bus runs between Ashington Leisure Centre and Woodhorn Museum throughout the day, with the last departure leaving Woodhorn at 5.15pm.

Entry is free, with parking available on site for £5.