FEAST STEPS BACK IN TIME
MARKING 50 YEARS SINCE REVIVAL OF HOUGHTON’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Houghton Feast travels back in time to mark 50 years since the annual celebration was revived in its current format.
Doctor Who’s fearsome Daleks are among the attractions at the event, with an exhibition of memorabilia from television soap Coronation Street also on display.
Traditional favourites such as the fun fair, carnival parade, ox roasting and firework display are not forgotten either.
Although the feast dates back more than 800 years, it was back 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 lasts 10 days, with this year’s event running from today until Sunday, October 15.
Paul Lanagan, 31, chairman of event organiser the Houghton Heritage Society, said: “2017 is the 50th year since Houghton Feast was revived as a community festival.
“This year will see the 50th ox roasting as well as the 50th anniversary carnival parade.
“It’s amazing to think that both of these events have being going since 1967.”
Mr Langan, who has delighted spectators by dressing up as Victorian clown Billy Purvis at the feast’s carnival parade, said: “I am looking forward to attending the 50th anniversary oxroasting.
“It’s quite a spectacle and the smell of the roasting meat is one of the best things ever!”
He also praised the feast team for its efforts throughout the year to help the event succeed.
Mr Langan continued: “The longevity of Houghton Feast is down to the feast’s ability to evolve in format, while maintaining that core element of the community coming together.”
“Bringing the community together is particularly important nowadays when community spirit can be hard to put in place.
“I am very proud to be apart of the Houghton Feast team, I attended as a child so it’s part of my blood. I am a volunteer and it makes me proud to know I am doing my bit for the Houghton community.”