We took a trip to this ancient North East festival which is famous for its magic atmosphere, tasty ox sandwiches, and electric carnival - here's what we thought.
Houghton Feast. For many, a familiar festivity. For others, a macabre unknown. It is true that this festival, this feast, so steeped in history, tradition, and nostalgia is hugely important to the townspeople of Houghton-le-Spring but it's very rarely known elsewhere.
This is not the case for me. Since I was very little I've always looked forward to that part of the year when the leaves begin to fall, the air gets chilly, and finding out when in October Houghton Feast was going to come back.
So, what is Houghton Feast?
Houghton Feast is a yearly festival that takes place in the town of Houghton le Spring, which has been taking place each annually for over 800 years.
The event was originally conceived as a dedication festival to the parish church of St Michael & All Angels, lasting ten days and includes everything from a fairground to a ceremonial Ox roast.
It returns each October and includes a funfair, parade and so many other events across the town and is always very well attended.
But, I have to say, as much as I have many memories of chilly October evenings at the fair and watching the carnival parade I hadn't been back to the feast in many a moon.
I agree... it's not great - which meant this year was a perfect time to right some wrongs.
If you've been to Houghton Feast I don't have to tell you that parking is very scarce and you usually end up having to park your car quite a way away and walk in.
As I know the area like the back of my hand, I left my car in a housing estate and took a walk in the beautiful sunshine across to Houghton Rectory Park which was already getting into the party spirit.
Stalls were set up, and the stage was set for a choir performance later in the day, but the first thing I really laid my eyes on was the ox sandwich queue.
The fun carnival parade takes a route all the way through Brinkburn Crescent, Station Road, Newbottle Street, and finally over to The Broadway past the church onto Dairy Lane.
So, that's what I decided to do too. I took a stroll down to the end of Newbottle Street and walked my way along, taking in the crowds of families and little ones anxiously awaiting to see the parade go by and trying to claim the best spots to do so.
This was when I stopped to chat with Adele Roke, 41, and her daughter Ava Jenkins, 11. They had been sat at their spot near the Greggs and were biding their time waiting for festivities to begin.
The pair expressed their love for the fair parade and classic cars that are seen each year and agreed that the feast is a "very positive" thing for the town each year.
Further up the road was mother and son Debra, 56, and son David Henderson, 10. I was quick to praise them for their fast thinking because they managed to take a seat at the bus stop which was not in use - a perfect vantage point for the imminent parade.
"We come all the time, I think it's a really positive thing for the town and creates a lot of buzz", added Debra.
Lastly, I had a chat with the Davison family from Sunderland made up of mum Maxine, 44, dad Tony, 48, and one of their daughters Beatrice, aged 5.
They had managed to snag a spot beside the road and explained their older daughter was one of 50 involved in the parade with Stage Door Productions.
However, despite their excitement for their first-ever feast, they said that it felt a bit "daunting" and that information on timings, events, and more were not well signposted.
It was at this point I decided to get into the queue for the ox sarnies. For £6 you get the chunky sandwich wrapped up in a paper bag straight from the ox which is being carved beside you as you walk through.
To be honest, the only thing I'm mad about is having not tried one before!
Finally, I got into position for the parade which was an hour of pure magic. As someone who has grown up in and around Houghton-le-Spring, I know its challenges as an area and the feast is almost like a light switch.
Families and children laughing and waving, cheering on the parade which itself danced and sang, was a real show of community spirit and it was heart-warming to see.
Walking away to my car and reflecting on my day out, I was so pleased to have re-lived some childhood nostalgia but also try something new. Plus, that was just day two of the festival - I know there is much more to go!
Recommended:
Houghton Feast is pure and simple fun. That's it. No frills - it is a free-to-attend day out that the whole family can enjoy.
This year has really made me adamant that I'll be back in 2025 for another Houghton Feast experience. After all, why not?
Houghton Feast is truly the beating heart of Houghton-le-Spring, and even though its around 800 years old, it will always be timeless to me.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here