A woman whose son suffered a fatal knife attack as he left Houghton Feast has called for enhanced security at this year's event.
Zoey McGill suggested metal detectors should be installed at the historic community event to deter anyone who is thinking about bringing in weapons.
It is a year since her 18-year-old son, Jack, died after he was stabbed with a ten-inch ‘Rambo’ knife during a sickening attack by a gang of ten youths as he left the fun fair.
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Zoey, from Newton Aycliffe, who is married to Chris and has two other children, said: “Parents will definitely be worried. I do not think it will be as popular as it was last year.”
As well as the fun fair, the event, which lasts over a week, features processions, and ox roast and processions and it is something generations of young people from the area have attended.
Last night, Zoey said she was calling for increased security to ensure the safety of people who attend.
She said: “I would definitely say they need more police presence.
“I would hope there is going to be more officers and maybe metal detectors for kids and searches as they are going in.
“It is not just inside but also around the area because obviously, these kids have stabbed Jack outside. It was not just inside the fair."
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Houghton Feast is thought to go as far back as the 1100s with Michaelmas, a dedication festival which celebrated St Michael’s and All Angels Church which remains in the centre of Houghton-le-Spring.
It became a religious feast during the Middle Ages when Bernard Gilpin, who became the rector of the parish of Houghton-le-Spring in 1557, began donating an ox each year, which would be roasted and divided between the people of the town.
The feast was not held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the return in 2021 was marred by Jack’s brutal killing, which has resulted in ten youths who were 14 to 17 at the time being jailed for murder.
Following his death, Newcastle Crown Court heard Jack’s attackers were drinking and smoking cannabis before trouble flared.
Zoey said: “They go with alcohol, they can shove a bottle in their pocket and they can take drugs.
“They are with their friends and girlfriends and young kids are attracted to that.
“There is a gang culture. They are able to hang around in large groups.
“They all acted together in what they did to Jack and they feel invincible in groups.
“It is a bit of excitement for them without realising how it can turn.”
Responding to questions from The Northern Echo about measures being taken to make this year's feast as safe as possible, the police said they were working with the council.
Sunderland City Councillor Kevin Johnston, who is chairman of the Houghton Feast Steering Committee, said: "Houghton Feast is a well-established and very popular community event which is enjoyed by thousands every year.
"We are continuing to work closely with our partners in the police and emergency services to help make sure that all those attending this year’s event have a safe and enjoyable time."
Chief Inspector Neil Hall, of Northumbria Police, added: "We know many are again looking forward to the Houghton Feast, a community event which attracts people not only from the local area but also further afield.
“We have continued to work with and support our partners to help ensure those attending can do so safely.
“We will also have a presence in the area and we would encourage people to engage with our officers.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time.”
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