Blaydon Races

Lore & Background

The song was first performed by George Ridley at a testimonial concert for local oarsman John H. Clasper, held in Balmbra's Music Hall on 5 June 1862. The final verse was added for a concert given on the evening of 9 June at Whickham Mechanics' Institute in Blaydon, where it was reported by the local press that Ridley's "local songs" were received "with great applause." Although the account of the trip to Blaydon is fictional, the heavy rain was noted in the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, as were the missing "cuddy" (horses). These were unable to ford the river due to an unexpected rise in the water level, meaning that only one horse was present when racing was scheduled to begin. Some spectators from Newcastle arrived by train, whilst others were conveyed by two omnibus companies, which the same newspaper observed "might harness better cattle if they wish to assure passengers of the safety of their means of transport."

In Their Own Story

The Blaydon Race is a 5.9-mile athletics race from Newcastle to Blaydon that takes place on 9 June every year and starts off with the singing of 'The Blaydon Races', as the words are used as the basis for the whole race. "Blaydon Races" is often used as a chant by supporters of Newcastle United Football Club, by whom it was sung repeatedly at the 1974 FA Cup final. In the late nineteenth century, the tune was adopted as a march by soldiers of the British Army's Fifth Foot infantry regiment (The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers), of Fenham Barracks, Newcastle upon Tyne. Today it is the Regimental Song of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, the modern descendants of The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. The song was also adopted by the Durham Light Infantry.

Reader's Guide

For any visitor to St James' Park, hearing "Blaydon Races" sung by Newcastle United supporters is a key part of the matchday experience. The song is frequently sung by supporters of the club, and was sung repeatedly at the 1974 FA Cup final. The Blaydon Race, a 5.9-mile athletics race from Newcastle to Blaydon on 9 June each year, starts with the singing of the song. The tune was also adopted as a march by the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and is now the Regimental Song of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Did You Know?

• The song was first performed at a testimonial concert for local oarsman John H. Clasper in Balmbra's Music Hall on 5 June 1862.
• The final verse was added for a concert on 9 June 1862 at Whickham Mechanics' Institute in Blaydon, where it was received 'with great applause'.
• The tune is based on an American song called 'On the Road to Brighton' (also known as 'Brighton'), written by John P. Ordway in the 1850s, though the specific year and minstrel origin are debated.
• A class 91 locomotive operated by East Coast was named 'Blaydon Races' in a ceremony at Newcastle railway station on 6 June 2012, attended by former Newcastle United player John Beresford.
• In November 2009 a charity version was recorded by Jimmy Nail, Kevin Whately and Tim Healy from the cast of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, featuring an additional verse about Sir Bobby Robson.

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