Puffin Festival 2025: its been a whirlwind
This year’s Puffin Festival proved to be a blustery event, with strong winds causing a little havoc on occasion. Stall holders had to hang onto their gazebos, while the elements on Sunday proved too much for even the biggest kites on the Braid.
Blyth Valley Samba drummers with Tommy Noddy
Despite the weather, the Puffin Festival was another joyful, quirky event. “It was a wonderful weekend” said Events Committee chairman Bart Rippon. “We want to thank everyone for coming and making it another great event.”
The organisers were delighted with the huge number of visitors to the stalls and activities over the bank holiday weekend. Blyth Valley Samba entertained the crowds on Saturday, along with Tribe Zuza tribal dancers, local singer Brian English, and street band Meze Mundo. On Sunday, Caribbean Crew steel band, Brian English and Salida band took to the stage, as youngsters had a great time dancing with giant puffin Tommy Noddy.
dancing to Salida band
The sandcastle competitions on both days was run by the wonderful Ranger Jane, and proved immensely popular. Judges said that despite strong winds and a high tide, the number and quality of the builds was very impressive. Two winners received a £50 voucher from Seaside Travel Amble. The Come and Try Kayaking with Coquet Shorebase Trust also proved popular, and the winner of the Puffin Rescue game, sponsored by Puffin Cruises received a cuddly puffin prize.
Fifteen people entered the Puffin Festival landscape artist of the year competition, organised by Dovecote Street Arts; fortunately they and their equipment survived the gusty winds intact! The winner won a weekend stay at Radcliffes Lodge, the two runners up won a £50 voucher for a meal at the Old Boat House.
Puffin Festival 2025 landscape artist winners. Winner (centre): Anthea Wood; second place: John Tuff; third place: Becky McMurray
DryWater Arts organised a host of cultural activities over the whole weekend, and the town’s shops include puffin artwork painted by local school children. Guided walks, poetry readings and nature talks were very well attended, as was the ever popular dog show organised by Northumberland Dog Rescue.
Organisers thanked this year’s main sponsor Coquet Cottages for their generous donation, and to Alncom who helped make the Puffin Cam live streaming possible in the Town Square.
Some of the sandcastle builders with Ranger Jane and judges Katherine Renton and Luke McTaggart
On behalf of the Events Committee, Matthew Connolly said “Its been a whirlwind of a weekend. You could have blown me over with the joyful and enthusiastic response to the Festival! We’re a small team and we’d really like additional ideas and help for upcoming events such as the Christmas Lights Procession and next year’s Puffin Festival.”
Come and join the Events Committee or volunteer to help out. Ring 01665 712929 and ask for Matthew or Julia, or email ambleeventscommittee@gmail.com
The Christmas Lights and Procession will be on Sunday 23 November. Next year’s Puffin Festival will take place on Sat 23 and Sun 24 May 2026.
**This article has been edited. Fifteen people took part in the artist competition and a photo of the winners**
