Unfortunately COVID restrictions mean that we won’t be able to enjoy a live concert by the Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra as part of this year’s Jesmond Community Festival. But instead NUJO are recording two special videos for us, “Spain” by Chick Corea and “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire. Watch out for further information towards the end of April!
Jesmond Library has announced a fascinating Thursday evening talk as part of this year’s Jesmond Community Festival. Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director of Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, will be talking about Art on the Metro. There are more than 30 pieces of permanent art on the Metro and other public transport infrastructure in Tyne and Wear, including the abstract murals in Jesmond Metro Station. The collection has been built up over 30 years and includes work designed by local communities and internationally-acclaimed artists. The talk will be held online, on May 27.
The Ouseburn Trust is supporting the 2021 Jesmond Community Festival by organising a special live presentation of their virtual Victoria Tunnel Experience. The event will take place on Sunday 30 May at 3pm, and booking is open now! Go to www.ouseburntrust.org.uk/jesmond-festival .
The theme of our 2021 Jesmond Photographic Competition is “Vibrant Jesmond”. So take your eyes away from the gloom of the coronavirus and search out images of Jesmond at its most colourful and lively! The competition’s closing date is not until 25 September. For the full rules of the competition, including the entry form, email info@jesmondfestival.co.uk .
An open meeting of Jesmond Community Forum held on 19 January agreed that a Jesmond Community Festival should take place in May 2021, held in line with whatever public health advice is in force at the time. This would certainly include a range of online events, and, if possible, open air events for limited numbers of people. At present it is impossible to predict whether any indoor events will be practical. Events will be added to this website as and when they are confirmed, and website entries will be updated if event arrangements have to change at a later date. If you have any queries or suggestions, email info@jesmondfestival.org.uk .
All this year’s Jesmond Calendars have now been sold. Rather to our surprise, despite the lockdown (or because of it), demand was higher than ever! Thank you to Paul Rea of Red Square Newcastle for the design, and for organising the printing, and congratulations to all the local photographers whose work is featured!