Two weeks to go to the return of Houghton Feast - here's what's on offer

After going virtual in 2020, Houghton Feast is back for 2021 with even more fun for the family.
By Sam Johnson
Published 28th Sep 2021, 11:11 BST
Councillor Kevin Johnston (front), Chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, joins dancers from Zazz Victoria Bower, Emily Murray, Alisha Aujla and Rebecca Murray to celebrate the upcoming Houghton Feast. Picture by Frank ReidCouncillor Kevin Johnston (front), Chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, joins dancers from Zazz Victoria Bower, Emily Murray, Alisha Aujla and Rebecca Murray to celebrate the upcoming Houghton Feast. Picture by Frank Reid
Councillor Kevin Johnston (front), Chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, joins dancers from Zazz Victoria Bower, Emily Murray, Alisha Aujla and Rebecca Murray to celebrate the upcoming Houghton Feast. Picture by Frank Reid

In just two weeks’ time residents can look forward to a full programme of activities, events, and entertainment from Friday 8 to Sunday 17 October, with art exhibitions, car shows and coffee mornings also taking place.

The festival will kick off with the official Opening Ceremony in The Broadway at 7pm on Friday 8 October when Crowds will be entertained by local talent including Houghton Pipe Band, Zazz dancers, Houghton Area Youth Brass Band, and the ever-popular choir made up of local school children.

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At the end of the night the brand-new Houghton Feast illuminations will be switched on by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Henry Trueman.

Dancers from Zazz Victoria Bower, Emily Murray, Alisha Aujla and Rebecca Murray ready to celebrate the upcoming Houghton Feast. Picture by Frank ReidDancers from Zazz Victoria Bower, Emily Murray, Alisha Aujla and Rebecca Murray ready to celebrate the upcoming Houghton Feast. Picture by Frank Reid
Dancers from Zazz Victoria Bower, Emily Murray, Alisha Aujla and Rebecca Murray ready to celebrate the upcoming Houghton Feast. Picture by Frank Reid

Cllr Kevin Johnston, Chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, said: “It is very exciting that Houghton Feast is returning this year. Last year’s ‘Houghton Feast at Home’ was a successful online festival, but the atmosphere of everyone taking to the streets for the festivities and bringing our community together is what makes this event so spectacular.

“We have ten days full of brilliant activities and performances, and I recommend everyone in the city to come along and see what Houghton has to offer.”

Another highlight that will take place on Saturday 9 October from 2pm is the Carnival Parade which will start at the Library car park and finish at the Dairy Lane entrance to Rectory Park.

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Also returning this year is the famous Ox Roast, taking place on Saturday 9 October from 3pm when a roasted whole ox, which will be prepared overnight, served up in sandwiches in the grounds of the Old Rectory, where the first oxen were roasted by Rector Bernard Gilpin to feed Houghton’s poor in the 16th century.

The ceremonial first slice will be carved by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Henry Trueman, and all proceeds from the sale of the tasty sandwiches will be used towards next year’s event.

Cllr Linda Williams, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City said: “We are delighted to be able to bring so much entertainment back to the streets of Houghton this year.”

Find out more about the Houghton Feast at www.mysunderland.co.uk/houghtonfeast

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