Alnwick raises the bar with town festival

The inaugural charity Alnwick Town Festival will take over the town centre this August Bank Holiday, with four days of food, drink and entertainment for all ages.

Organised by Alnwick Round Table in collaboration with Alnwick Markets, the event runs from August 21 to 24, stretching from Bondgate Within – temporarily renamed Market Street – to Alnwick Market Place, where a marquee will house a stage, bar and seating.

Festivalgoers can expect an artisan market, global street food, live performances and family-friendly attractions throughout the long weekend. 

Highlights include local bands, karaoke, spray-painting workshops, emergency service demonstrations and interactive sessions led by the RNLI and Wildlife Trust.

At the heart of the celebrations will be a charity beer tent stocked with craft brews, wines, spirits, soft drinks and even slushes.

Proceeds will support the RNLI, raising funds for lifeboat stations at Amble, Seahouses and Craster.

Organisers describe the festival as a revival of Alnwick’s tradition of community celebrations, with a fresh format designed to appeal to modern audiences. 

Andy Hunt, member of Alnwick and District Round Table, which has organised the event with Alnwick Markets, said: “Our whole team has been working on this for months and finally it’s almost here. 

“It’s been a huge effort behind the scenes, but our aim is to make this an annual event that will get bigger and better each year. 

“Thank you to all our sponsors and, please everyone, come down and support us; it’s going to be a lot of fun and something different for the region.”

The event is backed by Alncom as main sponsor, with giveaways including limited-edition pink rubber ducks and sunglasses.

Lawrie Stevenson, Alncom director, added: “Alnwick is a historic town steeped in history.

“Traditionally, and for as long as locals can remember, there has been a town festival. 

“In previous years, there has been dunking and traditional dressing up from times gone past, so it’s very special for Northumberland that the Alnwick Town Festival has been reinstated, albeit in a more modern town takeover format. 

“Please come down, have fun and support everyone involved.”

With its mix of music, markets and entertainment, the festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors and establish itself as a fixture in the town’s calendar.

Tickets for the beer tent can be purchased through the Alnwick Round Table website, here.

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