North East plans to celebrate famous Geordie anthem

Next year sees the 150th anniversary of the North East's Blaydon Races

Plans are currently under way to bring together people in the north-east of England to celebrate the famous Geordie anthem The Blaydon Races.

As part of the 150th anniversary of the Blaydon Races, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council are in talks to find a way to commemorate the song and its cultural significance.

The Geordie Ridley anthem has inspired the annual sporting event for over a century as runners make their way through the streets of Newcastle and Gateshead on the 5.9-mile route.

As well as commemorating the song, the council's want to develop a programme of celebrations for next year's milestone.

On 9 June 2012 they hope to get the region to sing in succession Geordie Ridley's anthem.

Councillor Gerald Bell from Newcastle City Council, said: "The Blaydon Races is one of the world's most recognised tunes and next year's 150th anniversary celebrations will introduce the song to a whole new generation."

Our own noise

The 150th anniversary of the song is also a significant part of a wider programme of sporting and cultural events to mark the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Councillor Linda Green from Gateshead Council said: "Geordie Ridley was a Gateshead lad born and bred, so his home town will definitely be getting right behind plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his most famous song.

"I think we can guarantee that the nation's celebrations won't just be confined to the East End of London next year - we'll be looking to make a big noise of our own."

The annual road race is one of the most important dates on Tyneside's sporting calendar and is open to anyone.