Jesmond Community Festival kicks off tomorrow, returning for its 20th year. Running from Saturday 3 May to Sunday 1 June, the month-long celebration features around 75 community events ranging from music and history to food, family fun, and the great outdoors.

Tomorrow’s festival launch (May 3) spans three venues – Holy Trinity Church, Newcastle Cricket Club, and St George’s Church – offering a range of activities from crafts and tours to cricket, cream teas, and cadet parades. Local councillor Milo Barnett and town crier Marjorie Dodds will open proceedings at 11am at Holy Trinity, where free tea, crafts, and church tours will be on offer.

The celebration continues at Newcastle Cricket Club from 12 noon, where visitors can enjoy a barbecue on the terrace and explore the grounds. Then at St George’s Church on Osborne Road, the bells will ring out at 1:30pm ahead of the official opening at 2pm by Deputy Lord Mayor Henry Gallagher, again heralded by the town crier.

This year’s launch also includes a VE Day Big Friendly Gathering, themed around the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe in 1945. Featuring 1940s music from the Darling Dollies, a parade of Air Cadets, community stalls, face painting, and cream teas, the event offers a nostalgic and lively afternoon on the church green. The Rev. Debbie Loughran will close the gathering with a thanksgiving prayer at 5pm.

Tomorrrow’s launch also coincides with the biweekly Jesmond Food Market on Armstrong Bridge (10am–3pm), while Sunday (May 4) brings a special treat for rail enthusiasts: model train rides behind Wylam Brewery, hosted by the Tyneside Society of Model and Experimental Engineers.

As always, the festival includes a wide array of music. Highlights include:

• Jesmond Choral Group performing Fauré’s Requiem (May 6)
• The Singers with Music for a Jesmond Spring (May 10)
• Ceilidhs at St Hilda’s Church Hall (May 11) and Holy Trinity Church (May 23)
• Jesmond Pool is hosting a ‘chill out’ session on May 23 (8.30-10pm) with special lighting and a live DJ set
• Concerts by Tyneside Fiddle Alliance, Mandolin Orchestra, and the North East Recorder Orchestra
• A finale concert by local group The Semitones at Jesmond Library (June 1)

There are also multiple walks and talks exploring Jesmond’s history and green spaces. Nature lovers can join the Dawn Chorus Walk in Jesmond Dene (May 10, 4:30am), while history buffs can explore Jesmond Old Cemetery (May 8) or take the Jesmond Vale Heritage Walk (May 31).

Jesmond Community Orchard, one of the area’s hidden gems, hosts two events: an Italian-themed picnic (May 5) and its 15th anniversary Open Day (May 17).

Talks and lectures add depth to the festival, including an appearance by Dr Austen Ivereigh, biographer of the late Pope Francis (May 17), and Keith Jewitt’s exploration of revolutionary figures connected to Jesmond (May 29).

For younger visitors, the ever-popular Teddy Bear Trail returns with the theme “Ted Goes Travelling,” while West Jesmond Primary School pupils will exhibit WWII-themed artwork at Jesmond Library, created with artist Elizabeth Kane.

The festival is supported by a wide network of local organisations, including ward committees of Newcastle City Council, Jesmond Community Orchard, Jesmond Residents Association, and Friends of Jesmond Library, reflecting the grassroots nature of this much-loved event.

The final weekend sees a spring fete at St George’s Church green (May 31), rounding off a month of community celebration and creativity.

To see the full programme and check latest timings, visit jesmondcommunityfestival.co.uk. Printed programmes are also available at participating venues.