Tradition that serves the region well

Jul 4 2008 by Nicholas Craig, The Journal

IT’S the season for shows. Not the musicals, but the proper, annual, outdoor ones. Our county shows, fairs and festivals are so well entrenched in the North East that we often take their presence for granted.

Some may think of the county shows as old-fashioned and in need of a makeover, or coming to a complete stop. Without them, however, a substantial section of the rural community would feel the lack of an annual event with great on-site sales and a longer-term marketing boost.

Urbanites enjoy them just as much, and are targeted astutely by the local crafts, food and drinks stalls, all growing in presence and popularity at the shows. Rural tourism affects investment across all sectors – culture, business and education all benefit directly from the new resources it can provide.

The county shows in Northumberland and Durham have been celebrated for many decades. I enjoy the enthusiasm, involvement and community sprit of our outdoor shows.

We do them with panache, while keeping true to the original aim of showcasing the best of rural businesses.

The first shows may not have offered motorcycle display teams or RAF fly pasts, as this year’s Northumberland Show spectacle provided.

Traditional favourites such as sheep shearing, hedge laying, heavy horse turnouts and the parade of hounds were all still in evidence, fascinating young and old visitors.

A growing number of festivals add to the colour and variety of our summer celebrations. Multicultural events such as the hugely successful Asian Mela, Vamos, the Tyneside Irish Festival, the International Friendship Festival at Washington and the Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival all offer a welcome for everyone and invite us to enjoy entertainment and culture from countries around the world.

Showcases of art, music and food and wine and regional cultural festivals are a powerful draw in a rapidly evolving event industry.

But while much about the pleasure of festivals has stayed the same for decades, the range of events and the sophistication of the productions have had to adapt to today’s crowds and security demands.

From the Miners’ Galas to the Fish Quay Festivals, the North East has a rich history and thriving tradition of festivals, shows and celebrations.

They boost our local small businesses, rural life, tourism and communities. On with the show – outdoors of course.

Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton LLP