Illuminated Sheep free Art Trail begins October 24

Created by artist Deepa Man-Kler, the illuminated sheep celebrate the arrival of the Lindisfarne Gospels in the North East. 

Approximately 60 people were in attendance at the auction, and the sheep were adopted before the auction took place.

From October 24 until November 30, individual sheep have been adopted across Northumberland communities, from Hexham to Bedlington and between, by residents and organisations ranging from Brownies to breweries.

People got their photographs taken with their adopted sheep (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Illuminated Sheep flock to Northumberland attractions

The Festival of Flame at Hexham Abbey on December 2 will bring all sheep back together for a final celebration. 

Led by Queen's Hall Arts, Illuminated Sheep is developed and managed by Hexham Cultural Network on behalf of Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ). 

Carole Wears, Creative Producer of the project, said: "We've had a lovely day today, we've had sheep adoptees from across Northumberland who've got a fantastic range of ideas and plans for their sheep.

The auction at Hexham Mart was held on Tuesday, October 18 (Image: Newsquest)

"We've had a lot of interest from people who've seen those sheep at big locations and large scale events, we really hope there's a future for the flock touring the UK if not the world because they are so appealing."

The partnership between Historic England, Northumberland County Council, Hexham Town Council and Hexham Community Partnership seeks to deliver improvements to boost the town centre, enhancing the Conservation Area.

Lesley Strickland, the tourism and events lead at the North of Tyne Combined Authority for the tourism and events programme, attended the auction.

The Illuminated Sheep (Image: Newsquest)

She explained the Combined Authority are funding the Illuminated Sheep project as part of the Hadrian's Wall 1900 anniversary and the Lindisfarne Gospel's return to the North East.   

Adopted by organisations and community members, the sheep can be customised and named anything - such as St Oswoold, who will be at the Church of St George in Wall.

Councillor Trevor Cessford, Civic Head at Northumberland County Council, said: "The Art Trail is such a fantastic addition to Northumberland. Following the auction at Hexham Mart, the sheep will be heading off to all sorts of wonderful locations and will also be stationed at schools, libraries and community centres around the county.

"We are encouraging everyone to get out and about and see them, and we have developed accessible walking and cycling trails that can be viewed and downloaded on The Big Northumberland Gear Change website."