Great Northumberland Events
FESTIVAL
OF ENERGY
Blyth Celebrates
Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March 2026
Festival of Energy: A Spectacular New Celebration for Blyth
Blyth will host the town’s first-ever Festival of Energy – a four-day celebration of Blyth’s heritage, its people, and its role as a global leader in renewable energy.
This free festival will fill the town’s streets, quayside, and public spaces with large-scale artworks, performances and immersive experiences inspired by the sea, wind, moon and earth.
Produced by Walk the Plank, one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts companies, the festival will bring together artists, scientists and the local community to tell Blyth’s story and showcase its sustainable future.
Working with partners Port of Blyth, The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Energy Central Campus and Newcastle University, the festival will transform the town into a stage for creativity, innovation and energy.
For full event listings, timings and locations, download the Festival of Energy programme and start planning your visit.
Free | Family-Friendly | Some Events Require Booking
Event Details
What: Festival of Energy
When: Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March 2026
Where: Blyth town centre
Download the full Festival of Energy programme for event times, locations and highlights.
🎟️ Additional FREE tickets for Gaia and Museum of the Moon are now available to book - don’t miss your chance to see these world-class installations.
What to Expect
Blyth will be transformed into a stage for art, performance, and creativity.
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Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon and Gaia, Tower of Light, and the life-sized Whale Song projection.
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Films, talks, and workshops at the Energy Central Learning Hub.
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Behind-the-scenes access to the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK’s leading offshore renewable energy research centre.
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A celebration of Blyth’s heritage, people, and role in renewable energy across the streets, quayside, and public spaces.
The festival is free and open to everyone - something for all ages to enjoy.
To discover more about what’s in store, read this feature in Living North.
Festival Highlights
Thursday 5 March, 1pm to 9pm,
Friday 6 March, 11am to 9pm,
Saturday 7 March, 9am to 9pm &
Sunday 8 March, 1pm to 5pm
Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon & Gaia
Experience an incredible world-first as Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon and Gaia (the Earth) are displayed together for the first time.
Each seven-metre artwork is created from detailed NASA imagery and accompanied by a special soundtrack. These breathtaking installations will be exhibited in The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s extraordinary testing facilities.
Witness these breathtaking artworks and see the Moon and Earth like never before.
Location: Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, National Renewable Energy Centre, Blade Testing Hall, Albert Street, Blyth NE24 1LZ
Additional FREE tickets for Gaia and Museum of the Moon will be released for booking on Saturday 14 February - don’t miss your chance to see these world-class installations
Friday 6 & Saturday 7 March, 6pm to 9pm (20-minute loop)
Whale Song
See Whale Song, a life-sized humpback whale brought to life through water, sound and light projection by acclaimed designers LCI Productions. The piece will be staged at the point where the River Blyth meets the sea.
Experience the wonder of a life-sized humpback whale come alive with sound, water and light.
Location: Dun Cow Quay, Quayside, Blyth NE24 2AS
This event is free, no tickets required.
Sunday 8 March, 8pm
Tower of Light
Watch as Walk the Plank’s giant lighthouse and its clumsy keepers bring the quayside to life with light, fire and special effects, celebrating Blyth’s maritime history and its bright future.
Watch the lighthouse and its keepers bring the quayside to life in a show of fire, light and fun.
Location: Dun Cow Quay, Quay Road, Blyth NE24 2AS
This event is free, no tickets required.
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Sunday 8 March, 10am to 12 noon
International Women's Day Breakfast
Celebrate the women who inspire Blyth and South East Northumberland. Nominate a friend, colleague, volunteer, or community champion to join our special free International Women’s Day Breakfast beneath Luke Jerram’s Gaia and Museum of the Moon.
How to nominate: Email getinvolved@walktheplank.co.uk with your name and contacts details, the name of the woman you'd like to nominate, and a few sentences on why she inspires you. Successful nominees will be able to bring a guest of their choice to this special event. Places are limited, so send your nominations soon!
Location: Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, National Renewable Energy Centre, Blade Testing Hall, Albert Street, Blyth NE24 1LZ
More to Discover at Festival of Energy
Thurs 5 Mar, 9.30am to 12pm
Meet Astronaut Helen Sharman
Produced by Walk the Plank
Be one of only 20 people to be invited to join Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman as she opens Festival of Energy with an inspiring talk beneath Gaia and Museum of the Moon joined by more than 300 young people from Blyth.
LOCATION: ORE Catapult, National Renewable Energy Centre, Albert Street, Blyth, NE24 1LZ
Thurs 5 Mar, 9.30am to 3pm
How to Make a Radio Programme
Presented by Koast Radio
Discover how radio shows are made in this hands-on workshop with Koast Radio. Participants will create a one-hour broadcast about the Festival of Energy, building confidence, creativity and broadcasting skills.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth
Thurs 5 Mar, 1.30pm to 2.15pm
Meet the Harbour Master
Presented by Port of Blyth
Blyth Harbour Master Ed Dick shares stories from his maritime career, from life at sea to managing one of the region's busiest ports. An inspiring session encouraging young people into maritime careers.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth
Thurs 5 to Sun 8 Mar, 10am to 4pm
The Big Chill - Arctic Film Drop-In
Presented by Walk the Plank
Journey to Antarctica and the polar regions through a programme of films from the British Antarctic Survey. Learn about whales, penguins, climate science and life at the extremes in this relaxed drop-in cinema experience.
LOCATION: Market Pavilion, Blyth
Thurs 5 Mar, 12 noon to 5pm
Open Afternoon at the Marine Station
Presented by Newcastle University
Visit Newcastle University’s Marine Station and Emerson Cavitation Tunnel. Discover marine research, explore the Pride in Our Seas exhibition and enter a prize draw to visit offshore wind turbines aboard a research vessel.
LOCATION: The Marine Station, Quay Road, Blyth
Thurs 5 Mar, 6pm
Sobralia
Presented by Reemer Bailey & Stuart Collingwood
A powerful new choral work by Reemer Bailey and Stuart Collingwood, performed by a 100-strong intergenerational choir from local schools and community groups, celebrating energy, light and Blyth’s future.
LOCATION: Market Place, Blyth
Fri 6 Mar, 5pm, 6pm & 7.30pm
Northern Monkey Brass Band
Presented by Northern Monkey Brass Band
Bringing New Orleans-inspired brass and percussion, the Northern Monkey Band fill the Festival of Energy with infectious rhythms and feel-good street sounds.
LOCATION: Market Place, Blyth
Sat 7 Mar, 10am to 4pm
Energy Central - Open Day & Family Workshops
Presented by Port of Blyth
Explore Blyth’s clean-energy innovation. See real offshore equipment, meet industry experts and take part in hands-on engineering workshops building a Greenpower electric car.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth Quay Road, Blyth
Sat 7 Mar, 12 noon
Parade of Sail
Presented by Royal Northumberland Yacht Club
Watch a flotilla of Royal Northumberland Yacht Club vessels sail down the River Blyth in celebration of wind power, maritime heritage and the Festival of Energy.
LOCATION: Dun Cow Quay, Quayside, Blyth
Sun 8 Mar, 10am to 12 noon
International Women's Day Breakfast
Presented by Walk the Plank
Celebrate 200 inspirational local women beneath Gaia and Museum of the Moon. Nominate a woman who makes a difference in Blyth and Northumberland and join her for this special community breakfast.
LOCATION: ORE Catapult, National Renewable Energy Centre, Blade Testing Hall, Albert Street, Blyth
Thurs 5 Mar, 7am to 10am
The Breakfast Show Live from Blyth
Presented by Koast Radio
Enjoy a special live broadcast of Koast Radio's Breakfast Show direct from Festival of Energy. Expect music, banter and all the latest fesstival news - and don't forget to call in with your requests to 07701 300749.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth
Thurs 5 to Sat 7 Mar, 10am to 4pm
Future Energy - Immersive Film
Presented by Dex Hannon
Step inside this immersive 360 degree film installation by Blyth based artist Dex Hannon. Created especially for the festival, Future Energy surrounds you with sound and moving image inspired by Blyth's transformation and clean-energy future.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth
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Thurs 5 Mar, 2.30pm to 3.15pm
Working Today to Build Tomorrow's Workforce
Presented by ORE Catapult
Discover how ORE Catapult is shaping fuutre careers in offshore wind, renewables and STEM. This talk explores skills, training routes and real-world opportunities in clean energy sector.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth
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Thurs 5 Mar, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Blyth Together: A People-Centred Green Energy Town
Presented by Newcastle University
Join this lively panel discussion exploring how renewable energy and culture are shaping Blyth's future. Hear from industry leaders, academics and community voices - and share your own ideas for the town.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth
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Thurs 5 Mar, 2pm, 5.30pm & 6.30pm, Sun 8 Mar, 5.30pm
Spark!
Presented by Spark!
International street theatre group Spark! bring high-energy drumming, dazzling LED lighting and dynamic choreography to the marketplace, transforming Blyth into a glowing, rhythmic spectacle for all ages.
LOCATION: Market Place, Blyth
Fri 6 Mar, 5.30pm & 7pm
The Energies of Everworld
Presented by Headway Arts
A magical walkabout dance performance featuring illuminated puppets, lanterns and fantastical characters in a story of light, darkness and harmony. Created by Headway Arts with learning-disabled artists.
LOCATION: Market Place, Blyth
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Sat 7 Mar, 10am to 3pm
A New Mural at Blyth Tall Ship
Presented by Blyth Tall Ship
See a new mural by local artist Frank Styles celebrating Blyth’s boat-building heritage. Enjoy family activities, live entertainment and heritage talks at Blyth Tall Ship open day.
LOCATION: Blyth Tall Ship Apprenticeship Workshop, Quay Road, Blyth
Sat 7 Mar, 10am to 4pm
Kite Making Workshop
Presented by Pallas Family Flyers
Create and fly your own kite with Blyth’s Pallas Family Flyers. This drop-in workshop celebrates renewable energy with a stunning new turbine-inspired kite commission.
LOCATION: Energy Central Learning Hub, Blyth Quay Road, Blyth
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Sat 7 Mar, 3pm & 7pm
Sea Shanty
Presented by Aria Arts
A thrilling water and aerial performance featuring mermaids, storytelling and live music. Arrive early for photos, shanty singing and creative displays inspired by Blyth’s sea stories.
LOCATION: Market Place, Blyth
Read the latest update
Blyth Celebrates Announces World- Class Programme for Festival of Energy Produced by Walk the Plank
Don't miss out
Come and be part of Blyth’s story at the Festival of Energy - a free, fun celebration of our town, our people, and our future in renewable energy.
