New figures show almost 6,000 people attended the latest community events in Ashington as part of the Animating Ashington initiative – with more in the pipeline.  The two-night celebration for the Pride of Ashington and the Feast of Fire Garden in Hirst Park were the latest events in the County Council commissioned programme.  and be part of a series of spectacular events encouraging them to get involved and be part of the changes taking place in the town spreading a sense of pride and belonging.  The Pride of Ashington brought 1,242 attendees to witness the spectacular Torch Lit Procession where 200 torchbearers honoured local heroes who go above and beyond The event celebrated those little acts of kindness that take place in all corners of Ashington Torchbearers carried flaming torches through Hirst Park surrounded by music performances and fire artists.   Combined with the Feast of Fire Garden in Hirst Park a total of 5,834 visitors came along over the two nights.  Ashington Town Board Chair and Chief Executive of Bernicia Homes said: “This programme has really captured people’s imagination with well over 10,000 people attending since activities started before Christmas.   “I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved so far and encourage those who haven’t seen this spectacular programme to get involved over the coming months.”  added: “We were proud to see so many of Ashington’s everyday local heroes honoured in our torch-lit procession and delighted by the response to our Fire Garden “We're grateful to Full Circle for supporting the event and for providing free soup and a roll to 2,000 people as a result of the weekend’s activities.”  There are more events to come and the next events in the programme will be:  Seeding the Future with landscape artist James Brunt working on a major natural piece in People’s Park in Ashington where people can admire the work and meet him in the park starting from the 23rd of April.  where Ashington Town Centre will be animated by a carnival of music Commissioned by Northumberland County Council and delivered by Walk the Plank Animating Ashington is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North East Combined Authority It is part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme to grow https://www.walktheplank.co.uk/projects/animating-ashington-/  © Northumberland County Council By 2024-12-17T11:00:00+00:00 UK: Cheers greeted the arrival of the first Northumberland Line passenger service at Ashington station on December 15 more than 60 years after services to Newcastle were withdrawn in November 1964 and the route became freight-only Initially only the new stations at Ashington and Seaton Delaval are available for use AECOM’s Northumberland Line Programme Delivery Director Neil Blagburn said Newsham had faced ‘power engineering and regulatory challenges’ and will open in early 2025 Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park to follow The partners in the £298·5m reopening project included Northumberland County Council, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and operator Northern AECOM and SLC Rail provided project management and advisory services to help the local authority navigate rules around rail safety and design development They also worked to develop a strategic business case and procurement strategy for the project and managing the construction phase on behalf of the council Soil Engineering Geoservices undertook ground investigations Network Rail upgraded 29 km of track and awarded Siemens Mobility the contract to supply signalling and control equipment Morgan Sindall Infrastructure was primary contractor for the stations ‘It has taken the county council years of planning and significant investment to allow us to get the line up and running as it is today’ said Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson but it has been worth it and I thank everyone in our team for getting us here Today shows what can be achieved when people work together to produce something that is brilliant provides lasting social benefits for many and brings hugely significant economic benefits to the area.’ Northern’s Programme Manager Paul Henry said ‘turning an old freight line into a modern-day railway that can be used by thousands of passengers has been hugely complex and challenging for everyone involved But we are excited that locals will be able to benefit from fast Speaking at an event in London in early November AECOM’s Global Transit Lead Russell Jackson highlighted that the Northumberland Line was one of the first rail projects in the UK to explore the use of a Land Value Capture model it is envisaged that a contribution from local landowners towards the cost of the railway calculated as a share of the uplift in land values along the route created by the new line reopening reducing the long-term burden on the taxpayer The line is expected to boost access to jobs There are two trains hour during the day from Monday to Saturday and one train per hour in the evenings and on Sundays operated using Class 158 DMUs with a 35 min journey time with a maximum peak fare of £3 and off-peak £2·60 Rail Delivery Group CEO Jacqueline Starr said ‘ticketing on the Northumberland Line will work seamlessly with the Tyne & Wear Metro simplifying travel and offering greater convenience for our customers We’re proud that this will be the first place in the north of England to introduce pay-as-you-go ticketing on National Rail services.’ Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander visited the line on December 12 ahead of the opening ‘This is a truly transformational project that will have countless positive benefits for the local area and it’s fantastic to know that £250m of government funding helped make this historic moment happen’ ‘I had the pleasure of meeting some of the people whose lives will change for the better thanks to this line and it once again demonstrates that investment in transport isn’t just about getting from A to B it’s a tool to unlock opportunity and growth in every corner of the country.’ Railway campaign group Railfuture said ‘reopenings are all too rare these days yet the few that we have seen have all exceeded expectations Rail is really the only way to attract people out of their cars and provide an environmentally friendly way to travel.’ UK: A discussion paper published by the Railway Industry Association calls for a new approach to developing small and medium-sized stations UK: Northern is to implement single-leg pricing on the Northumberland Line when passenger services start this summer The maximum off-peak single fare for the full route from Ashington to Newcastle will be less than £3 Northern told Rail Business UK ‘customers using the new Northumberland Line .. UK: Northumberland Line services between Newcastle and Ashington are expected to begin in summer 2024 Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper has confirmed The exact launch date will announced closer to the time ‘Restoring lost railway connections will drive tourism Site powered by Webvision Cloud 24 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news Another key milestone in the regeneration of Ashington town centre has been achieved with the submission of a full planning application for the proposed development of the Portland Park Cinema.  Working on behalf of Northumberland County Council Advance Northumberland has secured commitment from REEL Cinemas who are delighted to be part of an exciting cinema led development that will transform Ashington town centre This project brings together significant funding from UK Government Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland.  The proposed development is for a new five screen cinema with entertainment area and associated restaurants The cinema is to be operated by REEL Cinemas on a 25-year lease A previous planning application for this site was approved in 2020 and the development now proposed includes significant improvements both physically and operationally.  REEL Cinemas will incorporate a family-friendly competitive socialising area and entertainment space where families and friends can connect This announcement follows the recent investment including the completion of the rail line which reopened to passengers for the first time in 60 years and the £36m transformation of Ashington Town Centre gathering pace with major works to demolish Wansbeck Square underway kick-starting a number of improvements around the town.  Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council and Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities Councillor Richard Wearmouth said: “There is significant ongoing investment into Ashington and we all want to see progress at Portland Park.   “The leisure plans would add to existing schemes like the new Northumberland College Campus in the town centre and the new rail station and development of Wansbeck Square.”  REEL Cinemas said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing movie magic and a vibrant family-friendly space to the heart of Ashington Our heartfelt thanks go to Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland for their support and collaboration in making this vision a reality." This project is part of the Regeneration Ashington Programme to grow renew and connect the town delivered by Northumberland County Council with support from Advance Northumberland.  The programme is funded by UK Government including through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund North East Combined Authority and Advance Northumberland.    More than 6,000 people attended the first two family-friendly events commissioned by the County Council in Ashington - with a host of other activities set to take place in 2025.  enjoy and be part of a series of spectacular events interactive workshops and community projects.  The programme aims to connect with local high street businesses and communities encouraging them to get involved and reap the benefits of the positive changes taking place in the town centre.     The Light Nights celebration over two nights in January brought over 3,000 residents and visitors together following on from Animating Ashington’s launch in December when a toy procession preceded the town’s Christmas Light switch on.   over two nights the community enjoyed the performance of the Spark LED drummers around the town centre and on Hirst Estate even managing to climb on board a train at Ashington Railway Station!    They brought amazing pyrotechnic displays to the town culminating in a spectacular finale at the Hirst Welfare Centre where a fire drawing made by local students from Northumberland College was performed.  Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities said: “We really appreciate how residents are coming out in big numbers to support the programme enjoying the events to date.  “There’s a lot of work taking place in Ashington in terms of regeneration but Animating Ashington is bringing something very different to the town and we’re really looking forward to the torchlit procession in March.”   Ashington Town Board Chair added: “This programme really seems to have captured people’s imagination at this time of major positive change for the town and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved so far.  Ashington Central County Councillor Caroline Ball added: “It’s fantastic to see people across the town embracing these events and coming out in their thousands to support our town.   “I’ve seen first-hand how spectacular they are – they've certainly lit-up the town and I can’t wait for the next event celebrating our community champions across town through the Pride of Ashington Torchlit Procession and Feast of Fire.”  Animating Ashington is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North East Combined Authority.  The next events in the programme will be two spectacular nights of fire music and community spirit in Hirst Park for the whole community to enjoy.    First up is the Pride of Ashington – Torch Lit Procession taking place on Friday 21st March the procession is from 6-7pm making its way through the park past Full Circle followed by the Feast of Fire 7-9.30pm.  on Saturday 22nd March the Feast of Fire and local performances will take place again from 6pm-9.30pm.   up to 500 volunteer torchbearers are being sought with residents being encouraged to nominate a local hero This celebrates those people who regularly go above and beyond for the Ashington community From compassionate careers to tireless volunteers the event will celebrate those little acts of kindness which take place in all corners of Ashington Torch Bearers will participate in a dramatic procession through Hirst Park ending their journey at a fantastic Feast of Fire finale celebration.     For further details or to nominate yourself and your local hero please sign up via the link below or contact getinvolved@walktheplank.co.uk  Note: Torch Bearers must be a minimum of 14 years of age.  To nominate a local hero visit: https://www.walktheplank.co.uk/about/opportunities/pride-of-ashington/   To find about more about all the events go to:  https://www.walktheplank.co.uk/projects/animating-ashington-/   31 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news The £36m transformation of Ashington town centre is progressing well with a number of new improvements getting underway soon around town.      In February work will be getting started in and around the rear of Lintonville Terrace Woodhorn Road and the adjacent vacant plot on Portland Park to make it a more welcoming safe and accessible part of town.   Scheduled to complete in early Summer 2025 the works include additional street lighting and signage road surfacing and paving and a new path and greenery will also be introduced to the vacant development site in the area.  Works will be getting started on the vacant plot in early February followed by highway works in the surrounding area beginning in late February.    Works to improve the Memorial Garden beside Wansbeck Square will also be getting underway in partnership with the Town Council over the next few months.  The improvements will enhance and maintain this special part of the town centre for remembrance activities and as a green space next to the High Street.  All local businesses and residents in the areas above will be kept informed prior to works beginning.  Throughout all the regeneration work referred to in this update town centre businesses remain open and pedestrian access is available to all premises and around the town Free parking is widely available and all car parks remain open as usual.  The improvements getting underway come on the back of continued progress on other major investments in Ashington including Portland Park Cinema Wansbeck Square’s redevelopment and the recent reopening of the Northumberland Line with over 50,000 passengers using the service in the first month.    Portland Park’s development recently reached another key milestone with the submission of a full planning application for the proposed cinema development and the confirmation that operator REEL Cinemas are now part of boosting the leisure and retail offer in the town.   The demolition of Wansbeck Square is also going well with scaffolding being installed to the sides to allow for the safe demolition of buildings given its proximity to neighbouring shops and the railway line The site is proposed to become a new culture community and youth facility and a welcoming and attractive gateway between the town centre and new railway station with works anticipated to start later this year.  With the Northumberland Line now open and proving extremely popular pedestrian access between the town centre and the railway station continues to be via Kenilworth Road with access improvements for pedestrians recently completed Two new accessible parking bays are also being introduced soon close to shops and services in Station Villas Car Park.  Access to the car park for Ashington Railway Station continues to be unaffected by the works.  More family friendly events took place with free events this week as part of Animating Ashington programme with residents and visitors treated to dazzling performances featuring interactive drumming and incredible special effects delivered by Walk the Plank and international street performers Find out more about these events and what else is coming up later this year here.  said: “It’s fantastic to see this regeneration programme moving at pace – and the opening of the Northumberland Line has certainly brought an increased buzz to the town.   “There’s a lot of activity taking place in the coming weeks and months as we crack on with the work and we appreciate local business and residents’ support while we undertake these next key phases.”  The Animating Ashington project and Public Realm and Connectivity Project (Improvement works to the rear of Lintonville Road/Woodhorn Road Portland Park Plot 3 and Memorial Garden) are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North East Combined Authority (NECA) with NECA as the lead authority as part of the Towns and High Streets Innovation Programme.   All the projects in this update are part of the £36m Regenerating Ashington Programme to improve the town being delivered by Northumberland County Council with support from Advance Northumberland.  The programme is funded by UK Government including through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund North East Combined Authority and Advance Northumberland.   Ashington Town Board Chair added: “This really is a time of major positive change for the town thanks to everyone who has taken the time to help develop these exciting plans.   "You can see progress on a daily basis and it’s genuinely exciting to see the regeneration of our great town taking shape.”   Ashington Central County Councillor Caroline Ball added: “It’s positive to see the works continuing in the town and I’m looking forward to seeing both Wansbeck Square and wider town centre improvements in the coming months.”   01 Oct 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news The £35m transformation of Ashington town centre is gathering pace over the coming weeks.  Major works to demolish Wansbeck Square are getting underway this Autumn kick-starting a number of improvements around the town.   Over 450 people contributed to consultation events this year helping to shape plans to improve the town through the Ashington Regeneration Programme with work now about to get underway.    the North East Combined Authority and the Council the works are the first stage in the redevelopment of Wansbeck Square which is set to start in Spring 2025.  The site is proposed to become a new youth and community facility and a welcoming and attractive gateway between the town centre and new rail station.  The town centre continues to be open and accessible throughout the works with more information to be circulated to nearby residents and businesses.    and are due to complete in early 2025.    The planning application for the proposed new community and youth facility at Wansbeck Square has also been submitted setting out the detailed proposals for the site.    Improvements in and around Grand Corner and Portland Park will be confirmed later this year This will include improving pedestrian movements from the new Ashington Station through the high street and into Portland Park – the proposed home of a new cinema and restaurants.  Consultation feedback indicated respondents felt strongly that the area to the rear of Lintonville Terrace Woodhorn Road and the adjacent vacant plot on Portland Park needs to be more welcoming As such units 2-4 Woodhorn Road will now be retained and improvements to the area will be made addressing these concerns including additional street lighting and signage clearing the vacant site and introducing a new path and greenery through the area.    A new family friendly events programme will also be launched from Winter 2024 complementing activities already on offer an events company with over 30 years’ experience of creating performances parades and civic celebrations will deliver this working with the local community and partner organisations.    said: “This is a huge step forward for the town centre’s redevelopment.  “Wansbeck Square’s a prominent site which is no longer fit for purpose our focus is on creating a welcoming gateway into the town boosting the high street especially with all the new commuters and visitors the new rail line will bring.  We appreciate local business and residents’ support while we undertake these important works.  “We’re liaising closely with all those nearby before the works start to ensure they can continue to operate during the demolition phase and then the construction period which is set to follow next year.     “It’s great to see all the changes to make Ashington even better as delivery ramps up this Autumn.”  The Ashington Regeneration Programme to improve the town is being delivered by Northumberland County Council with support from Advance Northumberland.  The programme is funded by UK Government including through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund North East Combined Authority and Advance Northumberland.  Ashington Central County Councillor Caroline Ball added: “I’m pleased to see the progress made over the summer following the public events earlier this year.  I’m looking forward to seeing Wansbeck Square and the wider town centre improved for everyone’s benefit and seeing work get underway this Autumn.”  Ashington Town Board Chair added: “I’d like to thank local residents businesses and partners for influencing all our plans following the excellent turnout to our recent events and for their support while we undertake works as well as working with us on this journey.    “This really is a time of major positive change for the town and I’m looking forward to seeing all the improvements being made to the town’s offer.”   18 Nov 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news An exciting new programme of family friendly cultural events and activities is launching in Ashington – starting with a spectacular toy parade to complement the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.  The County Council has appointed outdoor arts producers ‘Walk the Plank’ to deliver the new Animating Ashington programme with cultural events and activities that will include families and communities bringing visitors and magical experiences to the streets of Ashington.   featuring fairy creatures and festive characters which will come to life and animate the high street and celebrate the opening of the programme on Thursday 3:45pm and 5:20pm ahead of the Town Council’s Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch On outside Savers A host of other activities are happening during the afternoon with more information available on the Town Council’s website and social media channels.  The event is free to attend and many local shops will extend their hours for the event allowing visitors to enjoy some festive shopping Station Road will be closed to vehicles between 2pm and 7pm and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of all the activities that are freely offered and to secure a good viewing spot for the parade and light switch-on.  The Animating Ashington programme has been commissioned by Northumberland County Council with funding from the North East Combined Authority and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the aim of increasing footfall and spend to boost the town centre. It is part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme to grow residents and visitors to Ashington can expect to see interactive workshops and community projects.   encouraging them to get involved and reap the benefits of the positive changes taking place in the town centre.   said: "This event programme is a valuable part of our regeneration plans and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the town.  Walk the Plank the Town Council and a range of organisations in Ashington have come together to put on an even bigger and better programme for this year’s Christmas events which promises to be quite the spectacle.  I’m looking forward to seeing all the other events that are being planned in 2025 too.”  Communication and Engagement Officer for the Town Council said: “The Christmas Lights switch on is one of the towns big events and we are pleased to join forces with the Animating Ashington project to make it even better this year with the new Toy Procession.    “We hope everyone is looking forward to visiting the town centre later on this month to enjoy the event marking the start of the Christmas period.  In the weeks following the switch-on residents and visitors can also participate in the popular Christmas Trail featuring over 20 shops across Station Road local businesses will compete in a Christmas Window Display competition adding to the town’s festive atmosphere.”  Walk the Plank’s Senior Producer Bev Ayre added: "We are excited to be part of Ashington's regeneration journey We look forward to collaborating with the community and bringing creative experiences that resonate with everyone."  For more information about the Christmas lights switch-on go to https://www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/ashinton-event/2024-11-28-christmas-light-switch-on-with-lantern-toy-parade  21 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news As part of its commitment to leaving a sustainable legacy for the communities surrounding the line Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has partnered with Northumberland County Council and Places for People to deliver this innovative project By promoting active travel and supporting the Northumberland Line Project’s connectivity plan the initiative aligns with the health and wellbeing strategies of key community stakeholders The Ashington Balance Bike Library provides a fleet of 20 balance bikes along with associated safety equipment and display units conveniently located in Ashington’s Library and Leisure Centre Schools can book these bikes free of charge in clusters of 10 allowing groups of young children to participate in fun and educational cycling sessions the initiative includes a balance bike delivery guide with session ideas This comprehensive approach ensures that schools can maximise the benefits of the program while creating a culture of safe and active travel and connecting young people to the local library network The Ashington Balance Bike Library initiative seeks to make cycling an enjoyable and accessible activity for children from a young age By introducing them to safe cycling and journey planning · Encourage young people to embrace cycling for health · Promote cycling as a convenient option for short trips to school · Inspire lifelong cycling habits that contribute to sustainable transport and reduced reliance on cars said: “This is a fabulous example of a thoughtful well-planned and collaborative social value initiative adds value to existing provision locally and aligns with sustainable transport and health and wellbeing strategic ambitions at a regional level We’re very proud to be sponsoring such a fabulous scheme and look forward to it making a real difference for many young people.” This initiative underscores Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s dedication to enhancing communities along the Northumberland Line By encouraging active travel and sustainability the Ashington Balance Bike Library will provide long-term benefits well beyond the construction phase of the project Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives with Northumberland County Council added: “This is a great initiative which encourages more people to cycle from a very early age and enjoy all the health benefits it brings “Whatever your age Northumberland is a fantastic place to explore and enjoy by bike and I hope as many schools as possible are able to get involved with this fantastic scheme.” Northumberland County Council said: “During the inaugural Ashington balance bike training sessions delivered by Kathy and Jan from Cycling with Jan pupils from Central Primary School discussed the benefits of active travel and how they can explore multi modal opportunities by walking or cycling to the new Northumberland line stations “The pupils also got to experience the new balance bikes Each game is designed and tailored to progress a rider's bicycle control skills whilst also equipping the perspective young riders with etiquette to ride in areas such as shared spaces with pedestrians each rider demonstrated progression in their cycling confidence but also a development of their gross motor skills.” Inequalities & Stronger Communities Together said: “The launch today has been brilliant the children as well as the adults have had a great time The partnership working between Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Tom from Plyable and Ashington library has proved that teamwork really does benefit us all promoting all of our services and delivering extra benefits for our schools and communities Thank you again for your continued support.” We invited pupils from Central Primary School Ashington to join us to test out the new bikes Assistant Head of Central Primary School said: “Thank you for such a wonderful event today What an incredible event for our children to be involved in They have returned to school excited to tell their friends and families about the bikes Thank you to those who arranged both the event today and the balance bike lending scheme We will certainly be promoting it amongst our families here at Central Primary School Everyone at the event made our children feel so special and we could not be prouder of the way they represented us today.” I was really good on the bikes and the lady told me how to do it “I like my train I made with my name on it It's so many colours.” (Radia aged 5) Early Years Family Engagement Practitioner Ashington Learning Partnership added: “Today provided a valuable opportunity to build and strengthen links between Central Primary School and The Northumberland Library Service I look forward to exploring how we can further meet the needs of our families through this partnership.” For more information about the Ashington Balance Bike based at the Library please email Ashington.library@northumberland.gov.uk 15 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news Passengers have made more than 50,000 journeys on Northumberland Line services in the first month after the opening The line reopened to passengers – for the first time in 60 years – in December thanks to a £298.5m project involving the Department for Transport Northumberland County Council and Northern Services now call at Newcastle, Manors Seaton Delaval and Ashington, with a journey along the entire 18-mile route taking around 35 minutes and a single ticket costing no more than £3 Tickets for more than 50,000 journeys have been bought since the opening and Saturdays have been particularly popular That includes more than 3,500 journeys made on the opening day (Sunday when the platform in Ashington was packed with people waiting to catch a glimpse of the first service More than 16,000 journeys were then recorded in the first week.  programme manager for the Northumberland Line said: “It has been fantastic to welcome thousands of passengers on board after we spent years planning and preparing for the opening “The line is already making such an impact in the region and opening up new opportunities for so many people.” said: "This is a great milestone to reach after a month of opening and shows just how much need there was for this line which we've worked so hard for over the past few years "It's been fantastic to see how popular the service has been over the festive period as well as those using it every day whether for work or education "We're looking forward to more stations opening in the near future which will no doubt increase passenger numbers even further." Northern is reminding all customers to buy tickets before they board the train. They can be bought from the Northern website and app ticket vending machines and over the counter at ticket offices The maximum peak-time single fare – for the trip from Newcastle to Ashington – is £3 and a return trip costs £6 An off-peak single for the same journey is £2.60 and a return is £5.20 Posters at each of the stations remind passengers they can be issued with a £100 penalty fare if they do not buy a valid ticket before they board the public body which runs Tyne and Wear Metro and Northumberland County Council to provide integrated fares for multi-modal journeys Customers can seamlessly switch between Metro and Northern services by using the North East’s Pop ‘Pay As You Go’ system to purchase smart fares Northern is running two daytime services an hour on the Northumberland Line from Monday to Saturday and one train per hour in the evenings and on Sundays​ which have space for bicycles and wheelchairs Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park remain under construction and they are due to open this year Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England 05 Dec 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news The first of the year-long Animating Ashington programme of events got off to a sparkling start.  The town centre was transformed into a festive wonderland with a magical toy procession featuring toy soldiers and marionettes accompanied by atmospheric music – ahead of the Town Council's Christmas Lights switch-on  Around 3,000 people attended the expanded events on the day.  Animating Ashington has been commissioned by Northumberland County Council with funding from the North East Combined Authority and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the aim of increasing footfall and spend to boost the town centre encouraging them to get involved and reap the benefits of the positive changes taking place in the town centre.    said: "It is great to see organisations in Ashington coming together to put on an even bigger and better programme for this year’s Christmas events giving the town a boost.   “It’s a fantastic way to start ahead of all the other Animating Ashington events that are being planned in 2025.”  Town Council Civic Head and Northumberland County Councillor Caroline Ball said: "The Toy Procession brought smiles to everyone’s faces,  “It’s incredible to see the community come together to celebrate creativity and connection and Walk the Plank together with the Town Council the County Council and a host of other partners have shown their ability to craft unforgettable experiences using arts and culture.  “I'm looking forward to see this exciting programme develop in the town over the coming months.”  The event also focused on sustainability and inclusivity with recycled materials incorporated into the parade's intricate designs and steps taken to ensure accessibility for all attendees.  The Animating Ashington programme has a range of activities planned for 2025:  Light Nights – 29th & 30th January 2025  Pride of Ashington Torch Lit Procession - 21st March 2025    Feast of Fire Garden - 21st & 22nd March 2025  Seeding the Future Week - March/ April  2025  Powering the Future Parade – 6th July 2025  For more info on the programme go to https://www.walktheplank.co.uk/projects/animating-ashington-/   02 Dec 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news The Northumberland Line will launch its first passenger services from Sunday Teams have been working tirelessly in challenging conditions and tackling complex engineering challenges so that for the first time in more than 60 years the public can start using the line again before Christmas.  Scores of train drivers and conductors have carried out intensive training and hundreds of test journeys have been carried out along the 18-mile stretch of new and upgraded line connecting south east Northumberland to Newcastle city centre – to ensure services are safe To meet the commitment to run trains this year Ashington and Seaton Delaval Stations will open initially Newsham Station will open early in the New Year with the remaining three stations at Bedlington Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park scheduled to open next year.  "The Northumberland Line is a truly groundbreaking  project of national importance that has been talked about almost since the line was closed for passengers over 60 years ago "Despite the enormity of the job we have been determined to re-open the line for passengers - and that is what we have done “It has been a hugely difficult project to transform the line car parks and infrastructure into what we see today with countless and very significant engineering challenges “But it’s entirely down to the hard work and dedication of all the people and organisations working on this hugely ambitious and complex scheme that we’re now just days away from opening.  “I’m extremely grateful for the patience of local residents and to all the partners for getting the line open.”  said: “Our region has major ambitions for transport and I want to make the North East the greenest and best-connected network in the UK to help local people access opportunities I’m pleased that the Northumberland Line is set to open to passengers this December and look forward to seeing it up and running and travelling on it very soon.  “Working in partnership with key stakeholders this new link will be a huge boost for the area We can’t wait to see the first passengers board this new chapter in Northumberland’s rail history.”  Chair of South East Northumberland Rail Users Group (SENRUG) which has been campaigning for many years for return of the line said: "We are absolutely delighted to finally hear the date for commencement of service from Ashington & Seaton Delaval The central defender has made 17 appearances for the Northern Premier League Division One East side during the current campaign having originally joined on loan in September Best of luck for the remainder of the season Site Designed by Team Valley Group An innovative project in Ashington designed to inspire young minds and spark conversations about the town’s future is a growing success.  part of the Animating Ashington project commissioned by the County Council has already engaged over 1,000 local students.  The initiative featured renowned land artist James Brunt who led creative workshops at Bothal and Central Primary Schools These sessions were designed to inspire young minds about environmental sustainability and to spark conversations about the town's future through the eyes of its youth.  The workshops focused on the importance of nature and how art can reflect and influence the environment.  The second phase launches on April 21st at People’s Park in Ashington when James Brunt will design and create an eco-friendly outdoor landscape that will remain in place for approximately six weeks.  said: “This is another great initiative we’re delivering through Animating Ashington and it’s great to see so many young people getting involved.  “It ties in very well in terms of the ongoing regeneration of the town when we are very much looking towards a bright future.  Ashington Town Board Chair added: “There is a real buzz around the town now as projects progress on a daily basis and we’re really looking forward to seeing how this eco-friendly landscape looks once it’s created.   Ashington Central County Councillor Caroline Ball added: “This is yet another success story from Animating Ashington who have created a real buzz with their unique events which have been enjoyed by thousands of residents.  “I’ve seen the first phase which looks fantastic and I can’t wait to see how this installation in People’s Park will look.”  Seeding the Future is part of Animating Ashington a year-long programme that runs until August 2025.  The project features a series of spectacular events and community-driven projects designed to engage residents and visitors alike The initiative aims to invigorate the town offering opportunities for people of all ages to participate in its transformation The project is focused on encouraging community involvement and showcasing the positive changes taking place in Ashington's town centre.  It is part of the Regenerating Ashington Programme For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 23:21 (UTC+1) on Mon 5 May 2025 Cloud thinning and breaking from the north overnight with any early showers soon fading A cold night with temperatures falling close to freezing giving a rural grass frost after midnight but bright start to the day with plenty of sunshine Some scattered cloud developing over the Pennines in the afternoon Fine and settled weather conditions are expected to continue with a good deal of sunshine and light winds Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average