Local community choir, Ashington & District Male Voice Choir has recognise the heritage of its hometown and people through music. The Choir has commissioned a new suite of heritage music about Ashington.
The Launch of the new suite coincides with the choir celebrating 110 years since being formed.
The Echoes of the Wansbeck
The Ashington Heritage Suite
Neil Morton, the Choir’s musical director, has created and arranged all five of the new songs ‘Flow’ is a beautiful melody which tells the story of Ashington. ‘Glossy Black Diamonds’ written by baritone, Alan Beattie and arranged by Neil for the Choir, is a powerful ballad, which tells the story of the rise and decline of coal-mining and other industries, and the hope the opening of the rail line to Newcastle brings to the Town. Meanwhile 'Heroes of Our Team' celebrates the sporting history and legacy a must listen for magpie fans. 'Family' takes a nostalgic look back at life in the colliery rows and finally, 'Turn to the Future' starts deep underground rising to the surface embracing and celebrating new clean technologies which have become part of our industrial landscape and rejoicing in hopes and aspirations for the future.
Ashington & District Male Voice Choir launched this new suite of music at a ‘Heritage Concert’ in St. John’s Church at North Seaton, Ashington on Saturday, 21st March 2026 and was joined by a very special guest artist Graeme Danby.
The Concert was sold out within two weeks of tickets going on sale.
The choir was particularly honoured that the Lord Lieutenant Deputy of Northumberland was present to represent His Majesty The King.
The Heritage Concert is to be followed by a series of heritage concerts across Southeast Northumberland and Tyneside to celebrate the Choir’s 110-Year Anniversary.
You can read the full media release issued on 25th April 2025 to launch the 'Ashington Heritage Music' initiative by following this link,
