A PROJECT celebrating unsung local heroes will launch at The Queen's Hall on Thursday, July 21 at 7.30pm.

In 2020, North East musician Bridie Jackson worked with local communities to collect stories about inspiring everyday people, and later wrote songs celebrating the nominated heroes.

A line up of local musicians then recorded their own bespoke arrangement of one of these songs, including Kate Gessey, Carol and Gary Bowden, Aukestra with Lesley Roley, Leon Fussell and Ian Brown.

Bridie said: "Unsung Heroes honours those who perhaps have not always had the recognition they deserve in our society.  

"Folk songs have always been a fantastic medium for revealing untold stories and sharing different lived experiences in a way that's relatable. 

"I feel very honoured to have been trusted with this project, telling other people's stories through songs, and I can't wait to share them with a live audience at the Queen's Hall," she said. 

The Unsung Heroes event will include live performances of the songs to launch the Unsung Heroes Augmented Reality artwork, created by artists Kristin and Davy McGuire.

The artists have combined augmented reality technology with original music composition to create interactive artwork. 

Unsung Heroes is a multi-partner music and digital arts project, developed by Queen's Hall for the Future Arts Centres National programme.

The project is part of Here and Now, a national and local celebration of culture within communities.

It was supported by Arts Council England and Future Arts Centres marking The National Lottery's 25th birthday.

After the show, there'll be an opportunity to enjoy a complimentary drink in the new Studio Theatre and try the Unsung Heroes Augmented Reality artwork for yourself.

The songs celebrate Northumberland musician Kathryn Davidson, who was nominated by members of Tynedale Community Choir.

Local volunteers and community workers were nominated including Russ Greig, Joyce Watts, Stephen Hope, Rosie Robson, Rosie Gilchrist, Jean Day and Nancy Potts.

The shop workers of Stocksfield were nominated by residents of the village. 

LGBT+ activist and author Casper Baldwin was nominated for the project by Darren Irvine-Duffy, the chair of Northumberland Pride.

Vita Collins, coordinator of the Cumbrian branch of the crafting charity, LINUS, was nominated by LINUS volunteer, Jenny Terrey. 

Tickets are Pay What You Decide - audiences can book a free ticket then decide after the event how much to pay.