Beneath This Ground: Music and Poetry at Ballast Hills Burial Ground
between Albion Row and Ford Street, next to the former Ouseburn School building, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1LL
Ballast Hills Burial Ground (BHBG), in the Ouseburn Valley within Byker Ward, is an unconsecrated burial ground established by Nonconformists outside the Anglican parish system. Over time, it was used by communities from varied religious and social backgrounds, including Anglicans, Nonconformists, working families, migrants, stillborn infants, people who died by suicide, and others often missing from official histories. From about 1640 to 1853, an estimated 40,000 people were buried here. Together, their lives offer vivid insights into the social history of the region.
"Beneath This Ground" brings some of these lives back into view through original poetry and fiddle music. Created by Marina Dodgson, Maurice Condie, and Harry Gallagher, this site-specific outdoor performance uses creative storytelling to make the working lives, losses, and memories connected with Ballast Hills more immediate and accessible.
The performance can be enjoyed on its own, but also forms part of a wider BHBG Heritage Open Days programme. Please check the Heritage Open Days schedule for other related events.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 16:00-17:00
Location & directions
between Albion Row and Ford Street, next to the former Ouseburn School building, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1LL
- Directions:
- Currently, three designated entrance points exist to BHBG: 1) on Albion Row, 2) at the junction of Cross Street and Ford Street, and 3) on Quality Row, all of which provide level access.
- Contact on day:
- Myra Giesen
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees are advised to wear suitable footwear and avoid uneven pathways where possible. As the event takes place outdoors, please bring appropriate clothing. You may wish to bring a blanket or chairs if you would prefer not to stand for the full hour. The event may be paused or cancelled in unsafe weather conditions.
