Northumberland Miners' Picnic 2026

The Northumberland Miners' Picnic is a jam-packed family day out celebrating our coal mining heritage.

The event brings together communities to honour the region’s mining heritage, featuring live brass bands, choir performances, entertainment, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Visitors can also enjoy heritage displays, talks, exhibitions, and a range of food and drink from local independent producers.

A vibrant day out celebrating community, culture and North East history.

Full programme

Memorial Service: 10:30

The service will pay tribute to the miners who dedicated their lives to Northumberland's coal mines and remember those who lost their lives in the industry. 

This year's service will feature a moving musical tribute, as the Ashington & District Male Voice Choir performs 'Woodhorn Disaster' - a special piece that names all 13 miners who lost their lives in the Woodhorn Colliery disaster of 1916.

Main Stage:

* Compered by Bread & Butter Theatre Company

Around the site:

Get creative... make your own dragonfly wings, beetle hats and fern headdresses in our Bugs & Beasties crafting workshops (all day) then learn the beat of the parade in a percussion workshop led by Ladies of Midnight Blue (1.15 – 1.45pm).

Join our parade... bring your colourful creations along and take part in the Bugs & Beasties parade as it winds through the museum grounds at 2.10pm.

Try something new... test your balance and coordination with circus and acrobatic skills activities from Control & Move CIC, running throughout the afternoon.

Look out for... The Northumbrian Miner sculpture by John O’Rourke, celebrating Northumberland’s proud coalmining heritage.

Step back in time... to discover fascinating objects and personal stories from mining life, from a humble horseshoe to a handwritten cake recipe in A Community of Coal: Six Canny Tales from the Woodhorn Collection.

Discover... the story of the Cramlington 8 and the 1926 General Strike with writer Ed Waugh through engaging talks and live presentations at 12noon, 1pm and 2pm.

See... the return of the iconic ‘Big E’ sign to Woodhorn alongside a collection marking 20 years since the closure of Ellington Colliery.

Meet... our friendly community groups including the Woodhorn Weeders, the Museum Marras, and the Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway volunteers, who will all be sharing their knowledge, advice and stories throughout the day.

Relax... and enjoy the tasty treats on offer from the Winding House Café and independent food stalls. Anarchy Brewery will be serving a range of alcoholic drinks. Only alcohol purchased on site can be consumed at the Picnic. Woodhorn Museum is a no smoking/no vaping site.

Bus... WATBus Community Transport are running the free, accessible shuttle bus service between Ashington Leisure Centre and Woodhorn Museum. The last departure will be leaving Woodhorn at 5.15pm.

This event is supported by Arts Council England, Northumberland County Council and Ashington Town Council. The event is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.