| Where: | Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne at the Cumberland Arms on James Place Street, Ouseburn |
| When: | Late March to early April |
| Time: | 4pm |
Ouseburn Ewe is a spring festival taking place between the Spring Equinox and Easter, celebrating the feminine in nature and of course the sheep returning to summer pastures. It’s held at the Cumberland Arms in Byker by the Ouseburn and involves a short ceremony in the meadow next to the pub, featuring the Ewe who is rather like a traditional Hooden Horse but with a sheep’s skull and curly horns (think the Derby Tup in female form). The Ewe is understood to have escaped from captivity as a breeding machine for lambs and has found sanctuary at the pub as a new base to continue her resistance to the patriarchy; she’s happy to be made a fuss of and is friendly, though she’s a little shy at first and has to be encouraged out of hiding by calls of “Come Bye!”. She’s accompanied by the Spring Lass, strewing petals from her basket, the Shield Maidens with suitable props and the Matriarch, with her Sceptre of Wisdom, representing the three ages of Woman, and musicians play during the procession from the meadow to the pub itself. It’s a very new tradition started in 2025, and is one of a number of events hosted at the venue to mark the turning of the year.
Helpful Hints
In 2026 it was on Thursday 2nd April (which was Maundy Thursday)- 2027 date is yet to be announced. As Easter moves in date, the period in which the festival takes place varies accordingly- it’s after the Spring Equinox but before Easter so can be in late March to mid April depending on the year. As a new event, the time and day may well evolve over time so check with the Facebook link below.
There are workshops in the lead-up period to craft the props for the festivities- check the Facebook page below for details. The pub has a busy schedule of live music and events through the year.
The event is organised by the pub and by Holly Clarke, who founded the event. Holly is a musician and singer/songwriter- click here for her Facebook page, with details of upcoming performances: https://www.facebook.com/HollyClarkesolo
Click here for the pub website: https://www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thecumby
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