To the southwest of the City of Sunderland sits the town of Houghton-le-spring. Commonly described as an “ancient village”, Houghton has indeed been settled for thousands of years long before being a modern colliery settlement, and enjoys its own identity. Chief to Houghton’s own heritage is an annual festival every October that is known as the “Houghton Feast” a tradition has been enjoyed for over 900 years, but just what is this all about? And why celebrate it?
Since the Middle Ages, the settlement of Houghton has been centred around a church known as St. Michael and All Angels, it is theorised, as many early churches were, that the building was built on top of a former Roman place of worship in order to legitimate the transition to Christianity. As a church dedicated to St. Michael, it has been customary for the village to celebrate the feast day of that saint, known as Michaelmas, that takes place from the 29th September. Michael after all, is considered in Christianity as an Archangel, the most senior of all angels, which is reflected in the church’s name.
Because of that, since the 12th century, it has become an entrenched tradition of the village of Houghton-le-spring to celebrate the “Houghton Feast” in honour of its patron saint. As per tradition, the festival commences on a Friday night with the ceremonial cutting of a whole roast ox by what is now the Mayor of Sunderland. The feast typically lasts over a 10 day period starting in early October. This has included a carnival and fair, band performances, concerts, fire works and plenty of food.
In 2023, the Festival will start on October 7th. In recent years, however, the Houghton Feast has become subject of criticism and controversy in that security has been poor and it has became an enabler for anti-social behaviour and misconduct amongst youths. In the feast of October 2021, the entire festival was marred by the murder of 18 year old Jack Woodley from Gateshead, who was killed by a mob of ten teenagers, one who stabbed him with a “Rambo Knife.” They all received life sentences.
This unfortunate development has subsequently overshadowed the warmth of a 900 year old local tradition, and it is hoped as such security and order at the event will improve to allow this great community event to continue.