Newcastle Cathedral’s historic organ features in a new recording of Geordie football anthem ‘The Blaydon Races’, released this month by Newcastle United to celebrate the region’s musical heritage and bring its much-loved song to a new generation.
The track combines the Cathedral’s organ with vocals from North Shields band Hector Gannet and Northumbrian pipes played by Chris Ormston. Shaped with the help of supporters, it draws on the song’s folk roots to create a new sound for St. James’ Park.
Developed by Newcastle United in partnership with music development organisation Generator and Interval Records, the track was produced and engineered by Alex Blamire.
The collaboration brings the Cathedral’s distinctive organ sound to a wider audience through a song that has united generations of supporters across the region.
Ian Roberts, Director of Music at Newcastle Cathedral, said: “The Cathedral’s organ has been part of Newcastle’s musical life for centuries, and it’s wonderful to hear it alongside Hector Gannet and the Northumbrian pipes in this new recording. We’re pleased to contribute to a song that means so much to people across the region, and to share the organ’s sound with a wider audience.”
Written by Geordie music-hall entertainer George Ridley, ‘The Blaydon Races’ recounts a lively trip to a local horse-racing event. It was first performed in 1862 at Balmbra’s music hall, which stood across the road from the Cathedral and is named in the song’s opening verse.
In a behind-the-scenes video filmed at the Cathedral and shared on Newcastle United’s social media channels, producer Alex Blamire explains: “The organ was here when the song was written. The air the organ breathes in, the air that it pushes out through the pipes to make the sound, is the air of our city. That’s what we wanted to get across in the track. This is our track. ‘The Blaydon Races’ is our regional anthem.”
With components dating back to 1676, when the building was still St Nicholas’ Church, the organ has provided a soundtrack to centuries of worship and community life. Today, it accompanies Choral Evensong almost daily and can be heard at free organ recitals every Monday afternoon, as well as concerts, major festivals, celebrations and commemorations.
The Cathedral’s ongoing fundraising appeal aims to preserve the instrument for future generations. Supporters can sponsor a pipe, make a one-off donation or play the organ themselves through a Grand Organ Experience.
A cornerstone of Newcastle United’s matchday experience for decades, ‘The Blaydon Races’ has been passed down for more than 160 years. Supporters helped shape the recording through workshops and listening sessions, with the club’s Fan Advisory Board and supporter organisations giving feedback on its tempo, singalong feel and stadium sound.
The track made its matchday debut ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at St. James’ Park on Saturday 17 October, alongside a pre-match performance by Hector Gannet.
An accompanying music video celebrates everyday life in the North East and the sense of belonging the song inspires.
‘The Blaydon Races’ by Newcastle United and Hector Gannet is available across all major streaming platforms. Watch the music video on Newcastle United’s official YouTube channel. To support the Cathedral’s organ fundraising appeal, visit the organ appeal page to sponsor a pipe, make a donation or book a Grand Organ Experience.
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