Posted 30 Aug 2011
Music is special, and when it comes to the Hexham Abbey Festival in Newcastle, the event is definitely one that is unique. Music is the sole focus of the celebration, the brunt of which is held in front of the beautiful Hexham Abbey itself. The festival welcomes everybody from soloists who are acclaimed far and wide for their performances, yet they also open their arms to young new acts that will have festival attendees tapping their feet!
The church itself plays host to many musical events every year, but the Street Festival that is held here is by far the most popular. It is a platform for internationally acclaimed orchestras, choirs and soloists to flaunt their skills and entertain a welcoming and eager crowd. The ten-day autumn festival is a jewel in the north east region, and although the focus of the musical celebration is early, classical and choral music, they also embrace other forms of musicality, such as jazz, theatre, and opera. They also have a venue for displaying film, art, photography, poetry and stunning literary events. In a sense, the Abbey Festival is a gathering of the arts.
Among the world-class performers the festival also provides the Young Artist Platform, a chance for local schools and children to show off their talents on the stage – and maybe get discovered!
The festival also features top of the line, internationally acclaimed artists. These artists will perform concerts for the eager attendees of the festival. The music plateau is also accompanied by the Festival Chorus, an impressive display of vocal ability by the locals. The week is a busy time frame that includes not only concerts and excellent choir performances, but it also features exhibitions and displays for artists that work in the medium of paints and canvases, as well as for the literary sect. There is something for everybody to enjoy at the festival. The Abbey Festival prides itself in showcasing not just international and domestic talent, but by giving a performing platform for local talent as well, enriching the community in both education and entertainment. If you think this is the festival for you and you need a hotel, check out the
Leonardo Hotels range of
hotels in Newcastle.
Main image by Tim Rogers
Wikimedia Commons /
GNU
