We are delighted to launch a special silent auction in support of Festival 2031, featuring two striking framed original artworks of Newcastle United legends Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer. Created and very kindly donated by John Dyer of Windle Creative, both pieces are artist-signed, dated 2016, professionally framed and presented in a bold black-and-white style with subtle blue detailing. Opening bids are £100 per artwork, with minimum bid increases of £10. The auction closes at 12:00 on 31 August 2026, with all proceeds going in support of Festival 2031.

Freemasonry in Northumberland has always been built on quiet generosity, practical support, and a shared sense of responsibility to others. Festival 2031 provides us with a track on which to continue our journey.

Over five years, the Province will come together to support the Freemasons’ Charity, helping ensure that assistance is available to those who need it most, both within our Masonic community and beyond.

Our collective target is £2.5 million. This will be achieved not through pressure or expectation, but through steady, voluntary participation across the Province.

A wide range of activities will take place across the Province throughout the Festival, giving Brethren, Lodges and Chapters plenty of ways to get involved.

Some events are individual challenges, where participants set their own goals and raise funds over time. Others are organised activities with limited places, allocated on a first come, first served basis, often with a fundraising commitment attached. There will also be open events available for anyone to take part in, including a number being organised by our Northumberland Light Blues (NLB) team.

The Travelling Gavel and Travelling Sceptre form part of the Festival, encouraging visits, engagement, and participation across both Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters – Gavel for the Craft and Sceptre for the Chapter.

A visiting team wishing to claim either must pledge a minimum donation to Festival 2031, creating a simple and engaging way to support the Festival while strengthening connections across the Province .

This initiative is designed to:

• Strengthen connections between Lodges and Chapters
• Encourage attendance and shared experience
• Support fundraising in a structured but enjoyable way

Each item will move across the Province throughout the Festival, with a live tracker showing its current location and the cumulative total raised. Click on one of the boxes below for info on who currently has the Gavel/ Sceptre and where it has been…