Tynedale Celebrates Easter with Unique and Fun Community Events

Alex Hamilton helped start a barrel race in Hedley-on-the-Hill. This began in the mid-1960s, when residents wanted a unique Easter activity. Ian Long, who owned The Feathers pub then, suggested the race and provided an empty beer keg.

Alex actually raced in the first event, which became popular for all ages. In 2015, Alex presented prizes, even though he had moved away in the 1970s.

By 2015, Alex was 78 and lived in Gateshead. That year, teams raced up Billy Fail’s Field, carrying an empty beer keg. Team One, consisting of Ira Watt, Harry Sowerby, and Zach Allin, won with a time of 8 minutes, 37 seconds.

Haydon Bridge also has an Easter race, a wheelbarrow race created by Jake Foster, a club steward. This also started in the 1960s.

During the 2015 race, six teams raced in costumes along Ratcliffe Road. People watched from along the route as the teams crossed the Old Bridge. They also stopped for drinks at local pubs.

Micky Thirlaway and Liam Scudamore, dressed like the Two Ronnies, won the race. Daniel Teasdale and Kieran Mitchinson, dressed as Mario and Luigi, came in second place.

Ovingham hosted the Ovi-Fun event on the village playing field. Kids participated in nine challenges, including a zipwire and chicken throwing, targeting balloons shaped like eggs.