KEEPING the world-famous Blaydon Races painting in the North-East will be the focus of a festival in the town that inspired the work.

The second annual Blaydon Festival, which starts this weekend, will feature a range of activities organised to celebrate the arrival of the picture - now on display in Gateshead's Shipley Art Gallery.

The 99-year-old scene, featuring larger-than-life local characters soaking up the race day atmosphere, was previously hung at Newcastle's Gosforth Park Hotel.

It was put up for sale by the hotel owner, the Marriott Group, triggering fears it could leave the region. The Tyne and Wear Museum Service stepped in and paid £110,000 for the painting at Sotheby's in November.

Festival co-ordinator Councillor Elsdon Watson said: "This year's Blaydon Festival centres around the recent purchase of the famous painting, which is a unique record of one of Tyneside's most famous events.

"The festival aims to celebrate the rich heritage and cultural folklore of the region, with something for all ages."

During the week-long festivities, a copy of the painting, by William Irving, will be on display in Blaydon for the first time, in the town library.

The festival opens on Saturday and features music, sport and art activities. On Saturday, June 7, a free bus will take visitors to see the original painting in Gateshead.

The celebrations end on Monday, June 9, with the Blaydon Road Race.

For further details, or an events programme, contact 07753 137364.