Blyth is once again bringing the community together with Blyth Celebrates 2026, a packed programme of free creative events running through to March. More than 46,000 people have already enjoyed past events, and this year promises even more opportunities to explore the town’s creativity, heritage, and community spirit.
Headline events include the Blyth Festival of Film, running from Friday 6 February to Friday 21 March and produced by Market Pavilion. Screenings will take place across the town, including community venues, the Market Place, and the flagship Market Pavilion cinema. The programme features a mix of classics, new favourites, short film nights, a short film competition, and dedicated school screenings. Alongside film screenings, exhibitions and activities will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Blyth in fresh and imaginative ways.
Festival of Energy, produced by Walk the Plank, will take place from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March. The festival transforms the town with large-scale artworks, performances, and interactive experiences that celebrate Blyth’s heritage and global leadership in renewable energy. Highlights include Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon and Gaia installations, shown together for the first time, Walk the Plank’s Tower of Light on the quayside, and the life-sized Whale Song projection where the River Blyth meets the sea. Workshops, talks, and behind-the-scenes access at Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s testing facilities offer imaginative ways for all ages to engage with the festival.
Cllr Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Tourism, said: “There’s still so much to look forward to in Blyth Celebrates 2026. From inspiring workshops and community projects to the Festival of Energy’s spectacular finale, the programme offers something for everyone and a chance for people to connect, discover, and enjoy everything our town has to offer.”
In addition to the headline festivals, the Blyth Celebrates Fund supports a wide range of creative projects across the town. These include visual arts, photography, music, storytelling, craft, and creative workshops. Free to attend, the activities provide opportunities for people of all ages to take part, learn new skills, and engage with creativity in everyday settings. Together, these projects highlight local talent and the programme’s focus on participation, access, and shared experiences.
Most events are free, although some require advance booking, and selected screenings within the Blyth Festival of Film carry a small charge. Full listings, including times and locations, are available at www.blythcelebrates.co.uk.
Blyth Celebrates forms part of the Energising Blyth regeneration programme, a £95 million initiative to renew, grow, and connect the town. The campaign is led by Northumberland County Council and funded by the UK Government, Northumberland County Council, and the North East Combined Authority, with additional support from other partners.
