Thousands flock to Heaton Festival

Crowds soaked up the sun at the return of Heaton Festival this weekend.

The festival, a free treat for the community which takes place every two years in Newcastle’s Heaton Park, is organised by Heaton Churches Together and run by volunteers who have turned it into a success story thanks to its mix of live music, food and craft stalls.

The day-long event began at noon on Saturday with a multi-faith Walk of Peace from Heaton Mosque on Rothbury Terrace, to celebrate diversity and respect in the city.

Newcastle City Council cabinet member for communities Cllr Clare Penny-Evans said: “The Peace Walk was set up originally by students from Heaton Manor School who got together because they wanted to do something to show solidarity after the Manchester bombings.

“They got in touch with their local churches and community leaders and the mosque and put on a Peace Walk that led into Heaton Festival.

“It’s about bringing people together; showing that we are stronger together and that we value diversity in Newcastle.

“Just before we did the peace walk we had all of the religious leaders from the area; from all of the churches; the Imam from the mosque, get together and say a few words about the importance of peace.”