More than 2,000 people came together in Berwick-upon-Tweed over the weekend to mark the 200th anniversary of its iconic lighthouse, with three events bringing the town’s maritime heritage to life.

From a community cake celebration to an atmospheric sound and light installation, the weekend was a chance for residents and visitors to share in the history of a landmark that has watched over Berwick’s coastline for two centuries.

A slice of history shared

The community cake event saw 350 slices handed out in just 15 minutes, with more than 600 slices of Lighthouse cake shared across the weekend.

Among the special guests were Robina and Yvonne, the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Berwick’s first female lighthouse keeper, Robina Burgon, who joined the festivities to cut the cake. Excerpts from Robina’s diary, documenting her experiences working in the lighthouse, also featured in the evening’s sound and light installation.

The occasion brought another piece of local history full circle, with the granddaughter of JJ Simmen, the original baker of the Lighthouse cake from 1907, also attending.

These family connections added a personal dimension to the anniversary, linking the lighthouse’s past with the people who continue to keep its stories alive.

Two unforgettable evenings on the waterfront

As darkness fell, the lighthouse became the centrepiece of In the Lighthouse, a striking sound and light installation that drew crowds to the waterfront.

Combining atmospheric lighting with excerpts from Robina Burgon’s diary, the soundscape offered an glimpse into life working in the lighthouse, moving many of those who gathered to experience it.

People travelled to Berwick specifically to see the installation, with social media soon filling with photographs and drone footage of the illuminated lighthouse.

One local summed up the excitement, saying: “This is too good to miss, I'll have to catch up on Strictly Come Dancing tomorrow!”

Another visitor remarked that they had “never seen so many people out in Berwick in the evening”, while others described the installation as evocative and emotional.

For Ros Lamont, CEO of The Maltings, the response reflected the deep connection between the lighthouse and the town. Ros said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many people come together to mark 200 years of Berwick’s lighthouse. I’m extremely proud of our creative team’s hard work in delivering a unique spectacle worthy of the occasion, fully exploiting the amazing natural setting, with such care, warmth and a sense of fun for everyone. The events have brought our community together through our shared history, human stories and pride in Berwick, and being able to involve the descendants of people connected to the lighthouse’s past has been particularly meaningful. It has been a real privilege for the Maltings to be part of something that means so much to so many people.”

The events have been supported through funding from Northumberland County Council and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, alongside support from Berwick-upon-Tweed Harbour Commission.

More to discover on Saturday 17 October

The programme continues Saturday 17 October with two more opportunities to explore Berwick’s coastline, creativity and heritage.

At 11:00, Soul2Sand artist Claire Eason will create a Lighthouse200 emblem in the sand at Spittal Point Beach. This temporary artwork will be enjoyed before the incoming tide washes it away. From14:00, people are invited to get involved and create their own sand art star constellations in a free participatory activity. Booking is required through The Maltings website.

The day concludes at 4pm with a concert from Berwick Ensembles at the Lowry Pavilion, with the lighthouse providing a fitting backdrop to the music.

Together, the events offer further opportunities to share in the stories, landscape and heritage that make Berwick unique.

Lighthouse 200 – Key programme highlights

Saturday 17 October

• From 11:00: Soul2Sand Lighthouse 200 sand art at Spittal Beach, with opportunities for the public to create star constellations from 14:00.
• 16:00: Lighthouse 200 Celebration Concert, featuring a specially commissioned piece by Berwick Ensembles, performed by Berwick Schools Concert Band, Berwick Music School, Berwick Brass Quintet, Berwick Concert Band and a children’s chorus, at the Lowry Pavilion.

For further information and bookings, visit The Maltings website.

October 2026: