Nestled in the heart of the Tyne Valley, Hexham has long been heralded as one of the UK’s most beautiful and vibrant market towns. As we look ahead to the new year, the town’s calendar is already bursting with festivals, sporting events, and cultural milestones. Whether you are a local resident or planning a visit to our historic streets, staying informed about the hexham whats on 2026 schedule is the best way to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
From the 20th anniversary of our prestigious book festival to the thundering hooves at the racecourse, 2026 is shaping up to be a year to remember.
Updated June 2026: we’ve checked every date and filled in the second half of the year — including new dates for GlastonAbbey.
“Hexham is more than just a market town; it’s a living gallery of history, culture, and incredible community spirit. At TWDA, we don’t just work here—we are proud to be part of the local fabric that makes the Tyne Valley so special.”
The first half of 2026 set a high bar. February’s candlelit concerts filled the Abbey with atmosphere, and the Hexham Book Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary in fine style (24th April – 3rd May), transforming the town into a hub for authors, thinkers and bibliophiles. The racecourse’s spring fixtures — including the Cheltenham Raceday and the Easter Holiday Raceday — enjoyed their usual stunning views over the Northumbrian hills.
Hexham Racecourse is in full summer swing, with the Charity Raceday on Saturday 13th June and the ever-popular Ladies Day on Sunday 21st June — best dressed competitions, prizes on offer, and free buses running from the rail and bus stations. Under-18s go free.
July sees the return of the Run Northumberland Hexham 10k on Sunday 19th July. Starting and finishing at the picturesque Tyne Green, the course heads out on closed roads towards Corbridge before returning along the largely flat Corchester Lane. The 10k sets off at 10am with a 5k at 10:15am, so there’s a distance for every ambition — and a proper community welcome at the finish line.
Please note the new dates: GlastonAbbey returns on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August — earlier than last year’s August bank holiday slot. With Glastonbury itself taking a fallow year, the Abbey’s cloister lawn is officially the next best thing, and it remains one of the biggest highlights of Hexham whats on 2026.
Friday brings renowned Fleetwood Mac tribute Fleeting Rumours, supported by Geordie Cinnamon and local favourite Jason Arnup. Saturday pairs the Ed Sheeran Songbook with the Arctic Flunkies and Oasis 96 — the kind of sing-along that leaves you with no voice come Sunday. Ticket prices are frozen from last year (from £18), there are more bars and food vans this time around, and note the new over-12s age policy. As a bonus, the Forum Cinema screens the newly restored Glastonbury The Movie on Sunday 2nd August to round off the weekend.
As we move into September, the focus shifts back to the arts. The Hexham Abbey Festival of Music & Arts runs from 23rd – 27th September, once again drawing world-class classical and choral performers to the Abbey to make the most of its incredible acoustics. The full programme is being confirmed over the summer — one to watch.
The racecourse calendar is unusually busy this autumn: the Autumn Raceday (Friday 2nd October), the Newcastle Rugby Foundation Raceday (Saturday 10th October) — a brand-new fixture with children’s entertainment — the Sky Sports Racing Raceday (Tuesday 20th October), the Winter Raceday (Friday 6th November) and the Weatherbys Raceday (Wednesday 18th November).
The year rounds off with our traditional winter celebrations. Dig out your best (or worst) knitwear for the Christmas Jumper Raceday on Wednesday 9th December, with prizes judged by the winner’s enclosure and free buses from town. The Hexham Abbey Christmas Fair returns with its hundred-plus stalls of local crafts and produce — 2026 dates are still to be confirmed, so keep an eye on the Abbey’s events page.
Beyond the big festivals, the rhythm of Hexham is defined by its regular markets. The Hexham Farmers’ Market continues on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, 9am to 1:30pm, offering the very best of Northumbrian produce. And for those seeking a hidden gem, the monthly Antiques and Vintage Fair at Wentworth Leisure Centre runs throughout the year — check their listings for upcoming dates.
With GlastonAbbey, the Abbey Festival and a packed racecourse calendar still to come, the second half of 2026 is full of opportunity for local businesses. Whether you are launching a pop-up at a festival, sponsoring a raceday, or refreshing your brand to catch the eye of the visitors these events bring to town, high-quality design is your best asset.
At TWDA, we are proud to be part of this thriving community. We understand the unique character of the Tyne Valley and what it takes to stand out in a crowded market. If you are looking to make an impact this year, we can help — from web design in Hexham to branding, print and digital marketing. Explore the full range on our services page.
Let’s make the rest of 2026 your most successful months yet. Contact us today to discuss your next project.
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