Blyth Festival of Energy: where industry meets community
Set on the North East coast, Blyth might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about the future of energy, but that’s what makes its Festival of Energy so interesting at both an industrial and community level.
In this blog, we’ll share our experience of the festival to tell you more about the people, technologies and ideas shaping the future of energy, and why Blyth is at the centre of it all.
Blyth’s Festival of Energy
Set against the backdrop of a town with a long history in more traditional energy industries, the first-ever ‘Blyth Festival of Energy’ ran from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th March.
Spanning across multiple locations in Blyth, there were a combination of free activities, such as, exhibitions, public installations and discussions, which all aimed to highlight the role of clean energy in the region’s future.
Rather than presenting energy as an abstract concept, the festival aimed to focus on how this industry is being developed, tested and integrated within real places and communities.
Inside Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
A key part of the experience was visiting the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult as it played host to the Festival of Energy exhibition.
As the UK’s leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewable energy, ORE Catapult plays a significant role in advancing technologies supporting offshore wind and floating wind. The art exhibition of Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon and Gaia, Tower of Light provided a beautiful backdrop, giving members of the community a chance to explore the impressive ORE Catapult facilities - where innovative technologies are tested and scaled.
What was evident was that this work carried out in Blyth directly contributes to the deployment of renewable energy systems across the UK and beyond. The ORE Catapult facilities simulate real-world conditions, enabling developers to refine and validate technologies before large-scale implementation.
Importantly, the exhibition also positioned Blyth as an active contributor to the UK’s clean energy strategy. The town’s existing industrial base, port access and engineering expertise make it well suited to support the transition to low-carbon energy.
Community engagement
Alongside the technical focus, the community panel session provided a broader perspective on how energy infrastructure interacts with local people.
Discussions centred on the relationship between industry and the town, looking specifically at how large-scale energy projects can create opportunities for employment, skills development, and long-term economic growth. There was also recognition of the need for clear communication and inclusion, ensuring that local communities understand and benefit from ongoing developments.
This balance is critical. The transition to clean energy is not only a technical challenge but also a social and economic one. Events like the Festival of Energy help to bridge that gap by making industry more accessible and encouraging dialogue.
Blyth’s role in the wider energy transition
Blyth’s evolution from a traditional industrial town to a centre for renewable energy reflects wider changes across the UK’s energy landscape. Its coastal location, infrastructure and heritage, position it as a strategic site for offshore energy development.
The festival reinforces this role by bringing together industry, public engagement and education in a single programme.
Conclusion
The Festival of Energy provided a focused view of how clean energy is being developed and implemented in the UK.
Through the ORE Catapult exhibition and community discussions, it became clear that the transition to a low-carbon future depends on both technological innovation and local engagement.
As the UK continues to invest in renewable energy, events like this play an important role in communicating progress, disseminating knowledge and reinforcing the link between community and innovation.