We don’t let a bit of rain put a dampener on our spirits...
THE NORTH EAST IS USED TO A SPOT OF RAIN. BUT AS HANNAH GRAHAM FINDS OUT, THE REGION IS ALWAYS READY
ASOMEWHAT sunny Sunday contrasted with a dreary, rain-soaked Saturday this weekend. It was a combination pretty representative of summer 2017 so far.
We’ve had nice days, yes, but as soon as anyone reaches for the sun cream or the barbecue, the skies begin to darken.
Now, forecasters are predicting more miserable weather, as a chilly vortex of downpours makes its way from Iceland to the UK.
But unpredictable conditions are nothing new for Geordies, and slightly soggy summers have been a feature of North East life for decades.
We’ve taken a look back at the less-than blazing summer days of years gone by, to remind ourselves that we’re well-equipped to deal with the odd washout August weekend.
It takes quite a lot to beat the Summer Exhibition which took place on the Town Moor on August 1, 1980.
Archive pictures show festivalgoers — many decked out in sandals and sundresses for the season — feeling torrential downpours, as freak storms sent them rushing for cover.
But rain didn’t stop play for long: determined to enjoy this summer party, people dug out anoraks and umbrellas, and continued to take in the festival.
One would imagine that the organisers of the Floral and Musical Fete, which took over Exhibition Park in 1960, were hoping for bright summer sunshine to smile down on their