YOUNGSTERS can enjoy a half term holiday of family fun with a packed programme of events and activities at South Tyneside.
South Tyneside Council has once again joined forces with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and Bede’s World, Jarrow, to bring families a packed schedule of events, running from now until September.
And, along with displays, exhibitions and interactive activities, The Treasures of South Tyneside 2015 programme will feature a variety of family-based events taking place during half term week.
The fun begins on Friday 22 May when this year’s Jarrow Festival brings 10 days of drawing competitions, exhibitions, craft sessions, live music and sports activities at venues across the town.
As part of the festival, visitors to Bede’s World, Jarrow, from 23 to 25 May, will be able to take trip back in time, with a Folklore, Legends and Myths craft weekend, including its annual Medieval Fair on the 24th.
The fair, which is free to attend, is an action-packed day of battle re-enactments, living history encampments, a hog roast, storytelling and the chance to see a traditional blacksmith at work.
The Medieval Fair will be officially opened by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Fay Cunningham, at 11am on Sunday 24 May.
Following the discovery of the stone head of a Roman goddess at Arbeia Roman Fort last autumn, the South Shields venue will hold a special, free, Gods and Goddesses event on Saturday 23 May.
Youngsters will be able to join storytellers as they investigate the origins of the Roman Gods and Goddesses who were once worshipped across the Empire.
Meanwhile, 26 May will be another Tremendous Tuesday at South Shields Museum, with a day of free fun and crafts with a ship shape theme with visitors encouraged to design their own boat with recycled materials having taken inspiration from the maritime collection.
Bringing the Jarrow Festival to a close, St Paul’s Church, Jarrow will hold a Song for Bede on Sunday 31 May.
This concert of medieval chant, with the Benedict Biscop Gregorian Choir, will include melodies that are at least 1500-years-old and are still frequently sung in towns, cities and villages around the world.
Admission to all the above events is free and, for further information about the exhibitions, displays and live performances, which make up the Treasures programme, and the venue opening hours, visit www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk