Ashington Community Fair Draws 3,000 Visitors in Spectacular Celebration of Local Heritage
Family event features giant whale classroom, live music, fairground rides and parade celebrating local heritage
Ashington Town Council is celebrating the overwhelming success of its Community Fair, which took place on Sunday, 6th July 2025, at People's Park. The free entry event attracted approximately 3,000 visitors throughout the day, making it a resounding success and the highlight of the summer calendar.
The fair, which ran from 11am to 4pm, combined family entertainment, educational activities, and a spectacular parade celebrating the town's industrial heritage, creating an unforgettable experience for families across Northumberland.
Musical Magic and Professional Wrestling Thrills
The day kicked off with talented Ashington vocalist Clare Drysdale, followed by an energetic lineup including The Local Heros, S.K.X Funkanauts, and The Pretty Weeds. Koast Radio hosted all the bands and provided music between performances, keeping the energy high throughout the day. The professional stage was provided by Tony from Guerilla PA and Event Hire, ensuring top-quality sound and presentation. A particular highlight was the Butterfly Dance Spectacular, featuring over 30 young performers from LS Dance Studio in stunning butterfly costumes, fresh from their participation in the Powering the Future Parade.
Contract Professional Wrestling provided high-energy entertainment with an action-packed show, complete with meet-and-greet sessions that delighted WWE and AEW enthusiasts of all ages. The wrestlers roamed the fairgrounds throughout the day, offering photo opportunities and bringing professional sports entertainment to the heart of Ashington.
The 60ft Sperm Whale Experience Captivates Young Minds
One of the day's most popular attractions was the spectacular 60-foot sperm whale, which hosted five immersive 30-minute shows designed for children aged 3 to 10 years. With a maximum of 30 people per performance, the whale transported young visitors into an extraordinary world of storytelling and music, combining education and entertainment in the most remarkable way.
Powering the Future Parade Celebrates Heritage
The fabulous finale of Animating Ashington began at 12pm on Station Road with the "Powering the Future Parade," celebrating the history of the Northumberland Railway and Ashington's bright green future. The parade featured a pedal-powered train, dancing flowers and butterflies, and a special visit from Stephenson himself, before winding its way down to People's Park for the grand finale.
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 as part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme.
Community Spirit Shines Through
The fair showcased the best of community spirit with Richardson's Amusements providing fairground favourites, while numerous local organisations offered free activities. Central Northumberland Family Hubs provided under-the-sea themed crafts, Newcastle United Foundation ran practical football activities, and Northumbria Police and Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service gave children exciting opportunities to explore emergency services equipment.
Professional face painting by Samantha Lynn, creative workshops by Mortal Fools, YMCA Northumberland, Pride Action North and the popular Ashington WI Tea Tent serving homemade cakes and biscuits added to the festive atmosphere. The Full Circle Food Project's smoothie bike and foodie games proved particularly popular with families.
Repurposeful CIC delighted families with their crafty junk modelling fun using their fantastic mini scrap store, and visitors could take home free fill-your-own craft supply bags.
Market Stalls Showcase Local Talent
Over 20 market stalls represented the diversity of Ashington's community, from Ashington Camera Club and the Royal British Legion to local businesses like H&M Bakes, Sweet Memories Sweet Shop, and The Little Tea Room. Community groups including Ashington Sea Cadets, 1st Hirst Scout Group, and Ashington Panto Group demonstrated the town's vibrant organisational network.
Capturing the Magic
The entire event was captured by members of Ashington Camera Club, who documented the day's festivities, ensuring these precious community memories are preserved for posterity. Jimmy France from Luk Luk Productions filmed the event with Nina presenting, creating a professional record of this spectacular community celebration.
Civic Head Cllr Pauline Thompson expressed her delight at the event's success: "To see 3,000 people from across our community come together for this wonderful celebration truly demonstrates the spirit and pride of Ashington. The Community Fair showcased the very best of our town - from our rich industrial heritage celebrated in the Powering the Future Parade to the incredible talent of our local performers and the dedication of our volunteers. Events like this bring our community together and create lasting memories for families. I want to thank everyone who contributed to making this day so special."
Gratitude and Looking Forward
Ashington Town Council extends thanks to all participants, volunteers, performers, and the hundreds of families who attended and made the day such a memorable celebration.
Special recognition goes to Walk the Plank for their outstanding support of the fair with the spectacular Powering the Future Parade and the incredible 60ft sperm whale attraction from Circo Rum Ba Ba.
The council also wishes to thank Walk the Plank for all the wonderful events they have presented in the town since December, including the toy parade that supported the Christmas light switch-on, the wonderful Light Night events, the atmospheric Torchlit Procession, and the One Amazing Day event they have all brought magic and joy to Ashington's community calendar.
The success of this year's Community Fair demonstrates the strength of community spirit in Ashington and sets the stage for future celebrations.
The council particularly acknowledges the dedication of local organisations, businesses, volunteers and Northumberland County Council staff whose contributions made this free community event possible, bringing together people in celebration of Ashington's rich heritage and bright future.
For more information about future events and community activities, visit www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council directly on 01670 624521.
The Ashington Community Fair was held at People's Park, Institute Road, Ashington, and was organised by Ashington Town Council as part of ongoing community engagement initiatives.
Photography curtesy of Ashington Camera Club
Ashington Community Fair 2025
