How you can still enjoy the 2020 renamed Houghton Feast at Home

Houghton Feast at Home, which runs from this Friday, October 2, until Sunday, October 11, will feature some of the much-loved aspects of the traditional festival – which dates back more than 800 years – as well as new events.

Using a range of online platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, programme highlights include:

A virtual opening ceremony at 7pm on Friday, October 2, will kick things off in style; The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon, counting down and switching on the feast lights; A trip down memory lane with footage of carnival parades of the past on Saturday, October 3; A virtual fancy dress competition for all the family to get involved in; The Big Houghton Feast Quiz on Monday, October 5, covering music, general knowledge and even questions about Houghton.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, chair of the Houghton Feast Steering Group, said: "I am beyond proud of the efforts of the steering group this year to deliver such a fantastic programme under such challenging circumstances.

"We're looking forward to over a week of great online content, from never before seen footage of Houghton in the 50s to a virtual guided walk through the town.

"Houghton Feast has always been and will continue to be a true celebration of life here past, present and future."

Cllr Linda Williams, the council’s portfolio holder for Vibrant City, added: "It was the people of the community who helped to re-introduce Houghton Feast more than fifty years ago and whose support ever since has seen it continue to grow in both size and popularity year on year and this year will be no different.

"The event format may have changed this year. However what has always stayed the same is that Houghton Feast brings us all together in a public celebration of our community."

One casualty of this year’s feast, however, is the annual appearance by Murphy’s Funfairs, at the Rectory Field, in Dairy Lane, after a late decision was taken to cancel the fair due to the pandemic.

A full programme of online events is available to view at www.houghtonfeast.co.uk.

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