‘Twas on the ninth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, on a summer’s afternoon 🎶... today we celebrate the iconic Geordie Ridley folk song, the Blaydon Races! It chronicled an eventful coach ride from Newcastle, across the Tyne to the Blaydon Races at Gateshead, 160 years ago in 1862.
Today the Blaydon Race is known more as a road race, but originally it was a horse race, beginning in 1861 on a circular island - a mile in circumference - on the River Tyne called Blaydon Island, known locally as Dent’s Meadow.
Often described as the Geordie anthem, it’s still sung from the terraces at St James’ Park.
Do you know the words? Sing along with volunteer Bill Elliott!
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