We love hosting live music at the Heritage Centre, and there’s no better way to spend a sunny afternoon than relaxing in the Courtyard with great food, refreshing drinks, and fantastic entertainment. Join us for a special afternoon featuring The High Spen Gems Rapper Sword Dancers, celebrating one of the North East’s most enduring mining traditions.
A Century of Tradition
In 1926, during a time of great upheaval in the mining industry, the General Strike had a profound impact on pit villages across Northumberland and County Durham. It was also the year that men from the Bute Pit in High Spen formed a boys’ Rapper Sword Team known as The Blue Diamonds.
Now, almost 100 years later, thanks to the passion and dedication of the Forster family of High Spen, the team continues to perform this unique pitmen’s dance to this very day, keeping an important part of local heritage alive.
The Exhibition
Alongside the performances, discover a fascinating exhibition exploring the history of this remarkable tradition. It tells the story of a piece of local mining culture that has survived 25 Prime Ministers, 5 monarchs, wars, economic depression, pandemics, pit closures, and industrial strikes.
Meet the Forster Family
During the event, fourth-generation dancer and teacher Frederick “Ricky” Forster will be at the exhibition, sharing stories about the dance, its history, and his family’s role in preserving this unique tradition. Ricky still teaches and supports the current teams of men and women who carry on this tradition. He will be on hand by the exhibition to talk to about the dance and his family.
Come along for an afternoon of live music, local history, and an unforgettable display of traditional Rapper Sword dancing.
Our café will be open as usual, serving breakfasts, lunch, home-baked scones, cakes, cookies, and plenty more to tempt you. No need to book – free for café customers, just turn up for a great afternoon of live music (weather dependant) and food.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please note seating in and around the Courtyard, including planters and benches is for our café customers. Please do not bring your own refreshments/picnics. All proceeds from our café and events goes to our charity Groundwork NE & Cumbria supporting local environmental and community projects.
