2003 Alnwick Northumbrian Gathering

Date: 2003-10-04, Publication: The Journal

A celebration of Northumberland\'s rich musical heritage was voted a success at the weekend, despite preparations being hit by crime - and the modern-day phenomenon of technological problems.

Traditional music and dance enthusiasts converged on Alnwick for the town\'s annual Northumbrian Gathering, a showcase for the region\'s culture.

The event went ahead despite a break-in at the Gathering committee\'s HQ, in which a computer containing information and data on the two-day festival was stolen.

In addition, a technological glitch meant the Gathering lost its website in the run-up to the event, making it difficult for people to get in touch with the organisers.

The Gathering included concerts, musical workshops and competitions for both young and old.

It featured skills such as clog dancing and accordion and fiddle playing.

Yesterday spokesman Brian Denton, a member of Alnwick Pipers\' Society, said: \"With the problems we have had in the last few weeks we did not expect the event to be as good as before, but in fact, it went brilliantly.

\"It is well advertised in the North- East and we get people coming from far and wide.\"

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