The school bags are packed and the alarm clocks are back on — but summer doesn't have to end just because the schools do. Two festivals, one very good month, and a county that is quietly at its loveliest.
The school bags are packed, the new shoes are (hopefully!) still clean, the alarm clocks are back on and suddenly we're all trying to remember what time bedtime is supposed to be…
Yes, September has arrived.
For many families, the first week of September feels like a little reset. The lazy mornings, long sunny evenings and freedom of the summer holidays are behind us, and we're settling back into school runs, packed lunches, clubs, homework and familiar routines.
But before we completely wave goodbye to summer, there's something worth remembering…
Summer doesn't have to end just because the schools are back.
September is actually a brilliant month to get out and enjoy Northumberland. The days can still be wonderfully bright, the countryside is beginning its beautiful transition into autumn, and there are still plenty of reasons to pack up the family, pull on your walking shoes and make the most of those last little pockets of summer.
And if you fancy something a little different, there are two fantastic festivals happening right here in Northumberland this month.
September in Northumberland
Tap a highlighted day to jump to it.
Lindisfarne Festival
First up is the ever-popular Lindisfarne Festival, taking place at Beal Farm overlooking Holy Island.
Often described as the ultimate end-of-summer party.
Lindisfarne brings music, comedy, food and entertainment together in one spectacular coastal setting. This year's festival includes hundreds of performances across multiple stages, with names including…
It's the perfect excuse to squeeze in one final big weekend before autumn properly arrives.
And there's something rather special about enjoying live music with the Northumberland coastline stretching out around you. With Holy Island on the horizon, it's a reminder of just how lucky we are to have places like this right on our doorstep.
Whether you're heading along for the whole weekend or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it's a wonderful way to make the most of those final summer days.
Druridge Bay Festival
Then, just a week later, Northumberland's festival season continues at Druridge Bay Country Park.
10–13 September
Beside Ladyburn Lake
Best for: A wonderfully relaxed, family-friendly weekend
Druridge Bay Festival brings live music, DJs, great food and drink and camping together beside the beautiful Ladyburn Lake, just moments from the Northumberland coast.
There's live music, circus skills, yoga, bingo and even a beach clean on the Saturday, making it much more than just a music festival.
Bringing the dog? If you're planning a family adventure, dogs are welcome too.
Imagine…
That's not a bad way to ease yourself into September!
Which one sounds like your weekend?
Two very different weekends, a week apart. Here they are side by side.
Tap whatever sounds like your kind of weekend
Pick a few and we'll point you at one.
3–6 September
Lindisfarne Festival
Beal Farm, overlooking Holy Island
- The ultimate end-of-summer party
- Hundreds of performances across multiple stages
- Faithless, Razorlight, The Proclaimers, Soul II Soul
- Music, comedy, food and entertainment
- One spectacular coastal setting
- Come for the weekend, or just soak up the atmosphere
0 of your picks
10–13 September
Druridge Bay Festival
Druridge Bay Country Park, beside Ladyburn Lake
- Wonderfully relaxed and family-friendly
- Live music and DJs
- Circus skills, yoga and bingo
- A beach clean on the Saturday
- Camping beside the lake
- Dogs are welcome too
0 of your picks
Make the most of September
Of course, you don't need a festival to make September feel like an adventure.
Some of our favourite Northumberland days are the simple ones.
And, of course, finding somewhere lovely to stop for a coffee, a freshly baked treat, lunch or a slice of cake afterwards.
Because while September might mean getting back into a routine, it doesn't mean the adventures have to stop.
Why September is one of the loveliest times of year
The beaches are quieter
The countryside is beginning to change colour
The crowds have thinned out
There's still plenty of daylight
In fact, we think September is one of the loveliest times of year to explore Northumberland — still plenty of daylight to get outside and make some memories.
So, as you sharpen those pencils, label those school jumpers and get everyone back into the school-night routine, don't pack away the summer just yet.
There are still adventures to be had.
And we'll be here
Ready with the coffee, cake and plenty of good food for when you need a little fuel along the way.
Five Running Fox stops across Northumberland
Wherever September takes you — a festival, a beach, a bike ride or simply an afternoon somewhere new — there's a Running Fox waiting to welcome you back with a pot of tea and something freshly baked.
Here's to a new school year, a new season and a few more Northumberland adventures before autumn really arrives.
See you at The Running Fox. 🦊
Before you go: both festivals are run independently of The Running Fox. Please check dates, tickets, line-ups, camping and dog policies on the official festival websites before travelling — details can change.
Image credits & licences
Northumberland photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons and Geograph Britain and Ireland, reused under Creative Commons licences.
- Embleton Bay, Northumberland (banner) © John Sparshatt — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Causeway to Holy Island © Chris Morgan — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Ladyburn Lake at Druridge Bay Country Park © The joy of all things — CC BY-SA 4.0
- Druridge Bay beach © Graham Robson — CC BY-SA 2.0
- Kirkharle © Peter McDermott — CC BY-SA 2.0
