Pitch up and play as Blyth commemorates D-Day

The Commissioners Quay Inn will be the place to throw a rugby ball this Saturday (June 1) as Blyth Rugby Club pitches up to be part of the town’s Quayside Festival, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Coaches from the Plessey Road club will be at The Inn Collection Group’s venue between Noon and 2pm and on hand to help visitors test their skills with a selection of challenge games kindly supplied by the Newcastle Rugby Foundation.

The Quayside Festival takes place between 10am and 4pm and will feature a variety of live musical performances, including The Community Voices Choir, Tall Ships Shanty Singers, The Victory Rollers, and Graeme Danby, and will also feature a local solo artist from Blyth.

Running the full length of the town’s quayside, activities including a climbing wall and bungee run will also be present, alongside representation from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as well as the local cadet groups.

Blyth Battery and Rotary will also be joining the festivities with Army jeeps and cars from the era. The car park area of the enterprise centre will have rides and stalls, and the Harbour Commissioner’s building will be open for public exploration.

Making themselves part of the day at the popular waterfront pub, the rugby club will also be looking to introduce themselves to potential players to join their growing roster of teams including juniors, three men’s teams and a growing girl’s section.

The club are looking to welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from seasoned veterans to complete beginners and offer experienced coaches. An inclusive environment and great facilities.

Open all day, every day, The Commissioners Quay Inn will be the perfect place for refreshment during the day, with drinks alongside breakfast, light bites and the inn’s main menu available in line with usual service times.

Talking about the event, Blyth Mayor Warren Taylor said: “Being able to welcome so many military groups to Blyth is a great honour and a wonderful way to show our appreciation to not only those who sacrificed so much 80 years ago but also to those who still do to this day.

“The Quayside Festival is a day for families to explore, interact and learn from those in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Airforce first hand, an exciting opportunity for so many young people in our town.”