Blyth Festival of Energy
5–8 March
Various
Blyth Festival of Energy
Blyth will host the town’s first-ever Festival of Energy from 5–8 March 2026 — a four-day celebration of the town’s rich heritage, its people, and its growing reputation as a global leader in renewable energy.
Newcastle University will play an active role in the festival, showcasing cutting-edge research across Marine Science, Ecosystems, Engineering and Renewable Energy. On Day One of the festival, the University will open Blyth Marine Station and the Emmerson Cavitation Tunnel to the public, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with PhD students. The full festival programme will be announced in due course. However, the following timings for the Newcastle University-led activities have been confirmed:
Public Engagement and Marine Futures Events – Blyth
Thursday 5 March | 12:00–17:00
Public Engagement Showcase
Blyth Marine Station and Emmerson Cavitation Tunnel
Join us for an afternoon of public engagement activities celebrating marine research and innovation, including:
- Pride in Our Seas II – Photo Exhibition
- PhD student projects and interactive displays from SNES, Engineering and HASS
- Visitor competition to win a place on a research vessel trip to the offshore wind farms
Thursday 5 March | 17:30–19:30
Panel Discussion
Energy Central Campus, Blyth
What Can Blyth Do Together? Co-Creating a People-Centred, Sustainable Green Energy Hub
Chaired by Dr Clifton Evers
Panel speakers:
- Dr Clifton Evers – Senior Lecturer in Media and Cultural Heritage
- Professor Anthony Zito – Professor of European Public Policy
- Dr Weichao Shi – Reader in Net Zero Maritime Systems
- Tony Quinn – Catapult
- Alison Walton-Robson – Blyth Culture Network
- Brendon Hayward – Osbit Ltd (Offshore Wind Energy)
The panel aims to inspire audiences—particularly young people—about career opportunities across the marine, energy and environmental sectors, highlighting the role of collaboration in shaping Blyth’s green energy future.
Friday 6 March | Timing TBC
Princess Royal Experience
Eight to ten competition winners will take part in a trip to the offshore wind farms aboard the research vessel Princess Royal, featuring onboard activities led by:
- Dr Ben Wigham – Lecturer in Natural and Environmental Sciences & Vessel Manager
- Maryam Haroutunian – Lecturer in Marine, Offshore and Subsea Technology
Supported by SNES and SENG PGR students.