Following the launch of the new Blyth Celebrates programme in August, September brings a chance to discover more of the stories that have shaped Blyth, from 200 years of lifesaving at sea to 500 years of the town’s history, alongside opportunities to get creative at Market Pavilion.
Blyth Lifeboat 200: Our Town, Our Story
The month begins with Blyth Lifeboat 200: Our Town, Our Story, a free community exhibition presented by Blyth RNLI in partnership with Fresh Creative Aspirations CIC, running from Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 September at Market Pavilion.
Marking 200 years of lifesaving in Blyth, the exhibition will bring together film, photography and local stories, including portraits of crew members and volunteers and a short film created by local young people.
Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth
Later that week, Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth returns to the streets of the town, with performances taking place from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 and Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. Presented by Novo Theatre, this immersive theatrical adventure invites audiences to discover the people, places and stories that have shaped Blyth over the last 500 years.
Starting and ending at Market Pavilion, audiences will set off in small groups, map in hand, to encounter stories inspired by Blyth’s salt trade, maritime industries, 200 years of commerce and even the town’s golden age of cinema.
Back by popular demand following its premiere in 2025, Salt & Smoke offers audiences a different way to experience Blyth – bringing history to life in the streets and places where its stories belong.
Joe Hufton, Artistic Director at Novo Theatre, said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing Salt & Smoke back to Blyth following its sold-out run last year. We loved seeing the town through a different lens and are excited to give people the chance to experience its streets and stories in a new way. It’s a chance to try something different, discover something unexpected and see this brilliant town with fresh eyes.”
Reclaim, Remake, Reveal
The month rounds off with Reclaim, Remake, Reveal, a series of free creative workshops led by artist Melanie Fox, beginning on Wednesday 30 September at Market Pavilion.
Across three workshops, participants aged 16+ will transform unwanted clothes into unique wearable artworks, exploring techniques including appliqué, embellishment, fabric manipulation and surface design. The project will conclude with a relaxed showcase celebrating the creations made by participants.
Cllr Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism at Northumberland County Council, said:
“September is another great opportunity to discover the stories, creativity and people that make Blyth such a special place. From celebrating 200 years of lifesaving with Blyth RNLI to experiencing the town’s history in a completely different way with Salt & Smoke, there’s something to interest people of all ages.
“Blyth Celebrates is about bringing people together, giving local stories a platform and creating opportunities for people to experience culture in their own town. I hope people from Blyth and beyond will get involved, discover something new and enjoy everything happening across the town this September.”
With free events alongside affordable and bookable experiences, September’s programme offers plenty of ways for local people and visitors to get involved, discover more about Blyth and experience the town from a different perspective.
Blyth Celebrates in 2026/27 is funded by Northumberland County Council. Salt & Smoke: Stories of Blyth returns as part of the Blyth Celebrates programme. It was originally commissioned as part of the Energising Blyth regeneration programme delivered in 2025/26 by Northumberland County Council with funding from the UK Government, Northumberland County Council, and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
To explore the full programme and find out how to get involved, visit www.blythcelebrates.co.uk.
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