Festival of flame to launch Northumberland Abbey's 1350th anniversary celebrations

Hexham Abbey’s 1350th anniversary celebrations are set to kick off in February with the return of the town’s Festival of Flame.

Throughout 2024, a programme of festivals, exhibitions, performances and celebrations will take place to mark the iconic religious building’s anniversary. The Festival of Flame will see the return of Deepa Mann-Kler’s Illuminated Sheep to the Abbey’s Cloister Garden, which toured the region in 2022 to celebrate the Lindisfarne Gospels’ return to Northumberland; a Viking Garden, and exhibition Triquetra by Tea Light by artist Leanne Shipley.

Following the success of On Angel’s Wings in 2021, a new community artwork Stars for Eternity will also see thousands of paper origami creations dedicated to “stars” – some of them for heroes, and others for those who have been lost. The atmosphere in the Abbey is intended to be calm and relaxed, with bite-sized live classical music performances.

Jez Light, organiser from Hexham Community Partnership, said: “We’re delighted that Festival of Flame will be launching a year-long programme of anniversary events at Hexham Abbey.

“And, running across two nights for the first time, this year’s event is our biggest yet. There really is something for everyone and we’re delighted that the local community will once again be able to enjoy an exciting programme free of charge.”

The Festival of Flame in Hexham

The Festival of Flame is presented by the Queen’s Hall Arts and Hexham Community Partnership and has been made possible thanks to more than £10,000 of funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Historic England through the Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone, Hexham Town Council and Northumberland County Council.

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, said: “The North East has a rich history and Hexham Abbey is one of the jewels in Northumberland’s crown. The Festival of Flame will be a great celebration of our heritage and culture that is free and open to all.

“It’s just one of the many events we are supporting to boost tourism and enrich communities. I want to ensure that everyone has access to art and culture – from ballet to bingo, ice skating to illuminated sheep!”

There will be a Viking Fire Garden at the Festival of Flame in Hexham

Jules Brown from Historic England said: “We’re really pleased to be helping to fund another year of the Festival of Flame through the High Street Heritage Action Zone. It’s a great way to kick off Hexham Abbey’s anniversary celebrations and I’m sure it will be a big hit with both visitors and locals.”

Other upcoming events to celebrate Hexham Abbey’s 1350th anniversary include the 1350 Ten-Minute Talks, a recording of BBC4’s Any Questions at the Abbey, and a concert by Bradley Creswick and his Western Swingfonia.

Hexham Festival of Flame runs from 5pm – 8pm on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3. No tickets are required but dogs must be kept outside on short leads.