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Families across South Tyneside are set to enjoy an action-packed programme of activities and entertainment with the return of the Jarrow Festival later this month.

The annual Jarrow Festival - a ten-day long celebration of community - kicks off on Friday 26 May with a variety of events taking place across Jarrow over the June half term holiday, ending on Sunday 4 June.

Attractions include art and history exhibitions, craft sessions, music, children's activities, guided tours of St Paul's Church, afternoon teas, performing arts workshop, sports activities, a kiddie's discos, fun days and much more.

Activities will also take place at venues across the town, including Jarrow Hall, Jarrow Focus, West Park Jarrow, children's centres, community associations, the Viking Centre and local churches.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay, joined organisers, Jarrow Festival Committee, at Jarrow Hall to launch the festival, which marks 35 years this year.

The Mayor said: "The Jarrow Festival is always a fantastic, vibrant family event with something for all ages to enjoy. It is also a wonderful way of bringing together local people and communities.

"The festival is a true celebration of art, culture, education and sport, and has gone from strength to strength over the years since its revival in 1988.

"It would be wonderful to see as many people as possible coming along and enjoying the events and activities on offer."

Jarrow Hall, Anglo-saxon Farm, Village and Bede Museum is hosting exhibitions, workshops, trails, crafts and activities throughout the week as well as the Jarrow Folk Festival with music, crafts and workshops in the gardens from 11am to 4pm, on Sunday 28 May.

St Paul's Church will also be holding guided tours as well as arts and crafts displays and a Lecture on Bede's Island, given by University of Leeds' Chair of Art History, Professor Catherine E Karkov.

Primrose Community Association is hosting a Mary Poppins theme party, at 10am on Wednesday 31 May, afternoon tea at 1.30pm on Friday 2 June and a children's disco at 6pm on Saturday 3 June. Call the centre on 07974 249 977 for further details.

On Wednesday 31 May, Costume historian Meridith Towne will be exploring sixties and seventies fashions inspired by the space race in a talk at 2pm at Jarrow Focus. Entry is £3 each. Call Jarrow Focus on 489 4389 for further details.

Jarrow Choral Society is holding a free open rehearsal at Grange Road Baptist Church Hall, Jarrow, on Thursday 1 June, at 7.30pm. Jarrow Focus will also be hosting a circus skills session on Friday 2 June, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. £2 per person.

A family fun day will take place on Sunday 4 June, from 2pm to 5pm, at Bilton Hall Community Trust in Low Simonside.

Fred Hemmer, Chairperson of Jarrow Festival Committee, said: "We remain a strong, vibrant and close community which is why we believe it is important that we continue to celebrate the Jarrow Festival. We hope that as many people as possible will come along and support the events which our local organisations have made great efforts to provide."

This year's Jarrow Festival is being delivered by the Jarrow Festival Committee with the support of The National Lottery Community Fund, Big Local Jarrow, Groundwork South and North Tyneside, Jarrow Hall, Hive Coffee Company and Jarrow and Boldon Community Area Forum.  

For full details of the Jarrow Festival programme of activities, pick up a booklet from Jarrow community centres or libraries.