1347. Blaydon Races (by Geordie Ridley)

This well-known Geordie song was written in the 19th century by Geordie Ridley for a concert in Balmbra's Music Hall on 5 June 1862. The final verse was probably added for a later performance on 9th June. Though the story of the trip itself is fictional, the heavy rain and missing horses (cuddy) were reported in the local press.

Blaydon is a small town in Gateshead in the North East of England. The Blaydon races were discontinued in 1916 and a power station was built on the site.

The fighting men of the Northumberland Fusiliers (a Royal regiment from 1935) of Fenham Barracks, Newcastle upon Tyne adopted the song as its marching anthem. It is considered to be the unofficial anthem of Tyneside and is often sung by supporters of Newcastle United Football Club and Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club.

This song was requested by bluecar1990. I'm sure I haven't quite got the accent right, but I played the video to a Geordie friend who was visiting a few days ago and she seemed to think it wasn't too bad.

For lyrics and chords of all my songs, please see my website: http://www.raymondcrooke.com

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song
• geordie
• north
• england
• newcastle
• rugby

[apethorner]

Hello Raymond, I found you because I was captivated by "Acres Of Clams, on a tv show. seems everyone doesn't care for the type of music , I don't understand why. I like it a lot. stays in the head. thank you.

[raymondcrooke]

@apethorner Thanks. It's good to know there are still people around who like this kind of music.

[apethorner]

I like it a lot, thanks.

[raymondcrooke]

@apethorner Thanks for watching.

[marcoacca]

Great as usual, Raymond (I fear I won't learn it... too many words, you know!)

[raymondcrooke]

@marcoacca I think you'd find the accent a bit difficult too, Marco!

[raymondcrooke]

@cariboubill Yes, especially when trying to do it with a Geordie accent!

[raymondcrooke]

@1952banjo Thanks, Virginia.

[1952banjo]

Really like it friend!!

[cariboubill]

I like the beat, Ray. It keeps you busy getting in all those words.

...Bill