Blaydon Races (Geordie Ridley) - Arr. P.M. Adamson

I first sang this song many years ago in my capacity of Secondary Music Teacher at Breeze Hill School in 1979. I dropped it from the school repertoire due to it's Geordie language and the vocal difficulties. As I moved through my teaching career the Tune stayed with me but rarely sung, apart from Old Trafford where the Manchester United supporters wrote their own version. The Song of course is the Anthem of Newcastle United from where the song originates, although a Music Hall song rather than a an intended football song. I was able to find the old Songbook from Breeze Hill online and the nostalgia got the better of me, and while I am out of my comfort zone with Geordie songs. or any non English songs I couldn't resist giving it a go.
I hope I do it some justice, especially with relatives who have settled in the North East. Setting images for this video was difficult but thanks to Newcastle Libraries I was able to piece together the gist of the event from 1862 and the Centenary celebrations. Newcastle has one of the most loyal and dedicated football Fraternity and a great History and it is good to see them competing with the best once again (2023)., not to mention one of my favourite Musicians, Alan Price who is a great entertainer from Geordie Land.