Following the success of the first Under the Sun back in 2020, Queen’s Hall Arts and Hexham Abbey have announced the return of the event on Saturday 22 June to celebrate 1350 years of Hexham Abbey with another afternoon of music, food and family fun planned.
Under the Sun 2 will see Hexham Abbey’s Cloister Lawn transformed into a stage where talented local musicians will entertain. Performing a range of music from folk to street music, barber shop to new grass, there really will be something for everyone at the Etheldreda Festival!
The line-up includes The Storytellers Street Band, Fiddolin, The Platform House Band, The Hexpistols and Blue Lass with further exciting programme additions expected.
Penny Grennan, Under the Sun 2 Producer, explained: “The festival is part of a year-long celebration of Hexham Abbey. Etheldreda was the amazing woman who founded Hexham Abbey – so, we are celebrating her with a line-up that features mainly women musicians. It's going to be great fun.”
Katy Taylor, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Queen’s Hall Arts said: “We are thrilled to be playing a part in bringing Under the Sun back to life this summer. The first event was amazing and we’re confident this year will be even better as the local community come together to celebrate 1350 years of Hexham Abbey. With the support of the North East Combined Authority, it’s really amazing to be able to present another free event for Hexham families to enjoy together, as planning for events coming later this year continues!”
Revered Canon David Glover, Rector of Hexham Abbey said: “We are having a day where we celebrate a woman called Etheldreda, a Saxon saint who gave the land to build the Abbey. We wanted to celebrate women’s roles in Hexham and in the Abbey’s life. We hope it will be a wonderful occasion for families to gather and enjoy the line-up of talented musicians.”
Those coming along are encouraged to bring a rug and a picnic or buy food from the various stalls or the Abbey Refectory Café.
Under the Sun 2 Takes place on Saturday 22 June, 12 – 5pm and is free to attend with no tickets required. The event is presented by Queen’s Hall Arts and Hexham Abbey and is supported by the new North East Combined Authority. Find out more.