JOIN us as we look back at the summer fun fair in Wylam over the years.

The Wylam Summer Fair officially returned last year following a four-year hiatus in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Jean Pollard and friends ready for the summer fair at St Oswin's Church in Wylam in 2013Jean Pollard and friends ready for the summer fair at St Oswin's Church in Wylam in 2013 (Image: Kate Miller)

It attracts approximately 2,000 visitors to the village every year with commercial stalls and entertainment.

In 2023, for the first time, a 60-strong rock choir was to play at the event with their take on modern classics. It joined traditional favourites like the Prudhoe Community Band and other local groups.

Prudhoe Community Band at Wylam Summer FairPrudhoe Community Band at Wylam Summer Fair (Image: Newsquest)

'Golden oldie' events like the junior and senior fun run were to also return alongside Hexham Sword Dancers' egg and spoon race and tug of war.

Wylam Summer Fair 2016Wylam Summer Fair 2016 (Image: James McAleer)

In 2018, the village’s Jubilee Field was flooded with activities and attractions for the occasion.

Village and commercial stalls, food outlets and games all kept visitors busy throughout the afternoon.

Wylam Summer Fair 2016Wylam Summer Fair 2016 (Image: James McAleer)

The annual scarecrow competition was replaced with a best-dressed welly boot competition, which organisers said attracted some impressive entries.

Tug of war in Wylam Summer Fair 2016Tug of war in Wylam Summer Fair 2016 (Image: James McAleer)

Meanwhile, a tug-of-war brought out the competitive spirits in both adults and youngsters, and egg hoying topped off the day.

READ MORE: Colourful Haltwhistle Carnival through the years

The Pimms bar at Wylam Summer Fair 2018The Pimms bar at Wylam Summer Fair 2018 (Image: Colin Percy)

Those attending were kept refreshed with a beer tent and Pimms bar, and entertainment was provided in the form of Scottish dancing.

The same year, rapper Noah Macdonald was photographed outside George Stephenson's Cottage after winning the film competition at Wylam Summer Fair with his rap about the famous railway pioneer.

Rapper Noah Macdonald outside George Stephenson's Cottage after winning the film competition at Wylam Summer Fair in 2018 with his rap about the famous railway pioneerRapper Noah Macdonald outside George Stephenson's Cottage after winning the film competition at Wylam Summer Fair in 2018 with his rap about the famous railway pioneer (Image: Kate Buckingham)

In 2016, Dr. Warren Adams, the direct descendent of two American presidents, and local resident Joan Lamb with children from the reception class at Wylam First School, were chosen to officially open that year's Wylam Summer Fair.

Music at Wylam Summer Fair Music at Wylam Summer Fair (Image: James McAleer)

In 2013, along with the regular annual attractions like the fun run, tug of war, village competitions, a fire engine for children to visit and a range of stalls, Wylam welcomed Beamish Museum to the fair.

Wylam Summer Fair crowds in 2016Wylam Summer Fair crowds in 2016 (Image: James McAleer)

Museum staff dressed in Victorian costumes and organised traditional games for children to get involved in.