Ashington lit-up as thousands flock to events
21 Feb 2025
More than 6,000 people attended the first two family-friendly events commissioned by the County Council in Ashington - with a host of other activities set to take place in 2025.
They are all part of Animating Ashington, running until August 2025, where residents and visitors can see, enjoy and be part of a series of spectacular events, interactive workshops and community projects.
The programme aims to connect with local high street businesses and communities, encouraging them to get involved and reap the benefits of the positive changes taking place in the town centre.
The Light Nights celebration over two nights in January brought over 3,000 residents and visitors together, following on from Animating Ashington’s launch in December when a toy procession preceded the town’s Christmas Light switch on.
At the Light Nights event, over two nights the community enjoyed the performance of the Spark! LED drummers around the town centre and on Hirst Estate even managing to climb on board a train at Ashington Railway Station!
They brought amazing pyrotechnic displays to the town, culminating in a spectacular finale at the Hirst Welfare Centre where a fire drawing made by local students from Northumberland College was performed.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities, said: “We really appreciate how residents are coming out in big numbers to support the programme enjoying the events to date.
“There’s a lot of work taking place in Ashington in terms of regeneration, but Animating Ashington is bringing something very different to the town and we’re really looking forward to the torchlit procession in March.”
John Johnston, Ashington Town Board Chair added: “This programme really seems to have captured people’s imagination at this time of major positive change for the town, and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved so far.
Ashington Central County Councillor Caroline Ball added: “It’s fantastic to see people across the town embracing these events and coming out in their thousands to support our town.
“I’ve seen first-hand how spectacular they are – they've certainly lit-up the town and I can’t wait for the next event celebrating our community champions across town through the Pride of Ashington Torchlit Procession and Feast of Fire.”
Commissioned by Northumberland County Council and delivered by Walk the Plank, Animating Ashington is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North East Combined Authority.
It is part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme to grow, renew and connect the town.
The next events in the programme will be two spectacular nights of fire, food, music and community spirit in Hirst Park for the whole community to enjoy.
First up is the Pride of Ashington – Torch Lit Procession, taking place on Friday 21st March the procession is from 6-7pm making its way through the park past Full Circle followed by the Feast of Fire 7-9.30pm.
Then, on Saturday 22nd March the Feast of Fire and local performances will take place again from 6pm-9.30pm.
For the Torch Procession, up to 500 volunteer torchbearers are being sought, with residents being encouraged to nominate a local hero. This celebrates those people who regularly go above and beyond for the Ashington community. From compassionate careers to tireless volunteers, the event will celebrate those little acts of kindness which take place in all corners of Ashington. Those people who go above and beyond, who are always there, come rain or shine.
Torch Bearers will participate in a dramatic procession through Hirst Park, ending their journey at a fantastic Feast of Fire finale celebration.
For further details or to nominate yourself and your local hero please sign up via the link below or contact getinvolved@walktheplank.co.uk
Note: Torch Bearers must be a minimum of 14 years of age.
To nominate a local hero visit: https://www.walktheplank.co.uk/about/opportunities/pride-of-ashington/
To find about more about all the events go to:
https://www.walktheplank.co.uk/projects/animating-ashington-/