A feast of community spirit

Early October means only one thing in Houghton – the Feast.

With its fairground, fireworks, ox roast and parades – plus a host of other activities – Houghton feast is one of the oldest community celebrations in the region.

Hundreds of townsfolk, plus many more people from the area, flock to the town and its showground every year.

This year’s celebration kicked off last night with a parade led by Houghton Area Youth Brass Band, with schools carrying Doctor Who-themed lanterns, while music was provided by Hetton Lyons School Choir and Tom Mouse-Smith, 13, a pupil at Houghton’s Kepier Academy,

And the Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Doris MacKnight, switched on the lights, which give the market town a preChristmas sparkle.

This year’s event is even more special as it celebrates 50 years since it was revived by the community.

Although the feast dates back more than 800 years, it was in 1967 that churches and community groups joined together to restore its fortunes amid fears that it had become a mere fourday drinking session.

Now it has become increasingly popular and lasts for 10 days.

The real reason for the Feast may be lost in the mists of time. Some say it was an extension of the Michaelmas services or marked the return to the town of legendary rector Bernard Gilpin after he was arrested for heresy by Queen Mary.

Whatever the reason, it is an occasion for people to join together to celebrate their community. And with community spirit in short supply, it’s a tradition worth hanging on to.

Long may the Feast continue.