Berwick 900 - Celebrating 900 Years of Berwick’s History
Berwick 900 was a programme of activities and events staged throughout 2015 to celebrate nine hundred years of the history and cultural heritage of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The Festival was organised by Derek Sharman as co-ordinator of the Berwick 900 Steering Group.
The Festival told the story of Berwick, from Scotland’s richest seaport and royal burgh in the Middle Ages to England’s most northerly town today through a series of “story themes”.
The packed programme featured colourful living history re-enactments, themed exhibitions, art and crafts projects, traditional festivals and parades, local food and drink …. all staged in historic locations around England’s most complete walled town.
- The art and crafts projects and exhibitions involved more than 200 researchers, artists and craftspeople of all ages and abilities and attracted over 10,000 recorded visitors.
- At least 530 participants, five bands, several lorry-borne floats, six horses and a 1940s tractor joined in the various parades and processions.
- The re-enactments representing Berwick’s history from the 12th century o the Second World War were attended by more than 11,500 visitors.
- Some 270 amateur singers, musicians, dancers and actors of all ages took part in drama, music and dance performances during the Festival.
- The historic herring drifter “Reaper” welcomed 1,500 people on board during her five-day visit to Berwick Quayside in July 2015.
- The two teddy bears’ picnics were attended by almost 100 costumed bears created by local schoolchildren and amateur knitters.
