Hugh Macknight
By Hugh Macknight

Senior Staff Writer

24 June 2019

| | 1 min read

Thousands flock to Heaton Festival

Hundreds joined a March of Peace before Heaton Festival this weekend

It's Heaton Festival!
It's Heaton Festival!

Crowds soaked up the sun at the return of Heaton Festival this weekend.

The festival, a free treat for the community which takes place every two years in Newcastle’s Heaton Park, is organised by Heaton Churches Together and run by volunteers who have turned it into a success story thanks to its mix of live music, food and craft stalls.

The day-long event began at noon on Saturday with a multi-faith Walk of Peace from Heaton Mosque on Rothbury Terrace, to celebrate diversity and respect in the city.

Newcastle City Council cabinet member for communities Cllr Clare Penny-Evans said: “The Peace Walk was set up originally by students from Heaton Manor School who got together because they wanted to do something to show solidarity after the Manchester bombings.

“They got in touch with their local churches and community leaders and the mosque and put on a Peace Walk that led into Heaton Festival.

“It’s about bringing people together; showing that we are stronger together and that we value diversity in Newcastle.

“Just before we did the peace walk we had all of the religious leaders from the area; from all of the churches; the Imam from the mosque, get together and say a few words about the importance of peace.”

Crowds soaked up the sun at the return of Heaton Festival this weekend.
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On their Facebook page, the festival organisers said: “Thank you to the thousands of you who came yesterday and for all the amazing feedback - we’re so glad you enjoyed the day! 

“We’d love you to join us for other stuff we do during the year.... There’s a variety of events we think you might like: https://heatonfestival.com/postfestival/

Heaton Festival featured live music on a main stage alongside others set up at Village Green and King John’s Palace.

Its Foodzone - always a big hit – filled the park with the mouth watering smell of different street food stalls.

There was also a Kidszone with games, inflatables and crafts plus activities for young people, and a Sportszone.

Thank you to the thousands of you who came yesterday and for all the amazing feedback - we’re so glad you enjoyed the day! 

The organisers

Heaton Festival