200 years. One iconic landmark. Countless stories.
This October, Berwick Lighthouse turns 200 – and we’re celebrating with a programme of art, light, music, history and unexpected surprises across Berwick and Spittal.
For two centuries, the Lighthouse has stood at the mouth of the River Tweed, watching over the harbour and coastline. It has guided ships, been home to lighthouse keepers and become part of the fabric of Berwick.
Now, artists, musicians, local makers and the community are responding to its remarkable story, creating new experiences that bring its past into the present.
And there’s another anniversary to celebrate too. 2026 also marks 150 years of Berwick Port, connecting the Lighthouse’s story to the people, ships and industries that have shaped the town’s relationship with the sea.
Join us on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Saturday 17 October 2026 and discover the Lighthouse in a whole new light.
A 400lb Lighthouse… made of cake
It turns out that celebrating Berwick Lighthouse with cake isn’t a new idea.
In December 1907, an advert appeared in the Berwickshire News and General Advertiser inviting people to:
“Look out for Berwick Lighthouse. No more shipwrecks in High Street. All solid cake, over 4cwt.”
The advert was placed by John Jacob Simmen, owner of Café Royal on Berwick High Street.
Simmen was a cook and chocolatier, and his Café Royal was known for its confectionery, Swiss chocolate, restaurant and elaborate displays. In 1907, he and his son created a spectacular 210lb wedding cake for their Christmas window.
The following year, they went even bigger.
They made a 400lb fruit cake in the shape of Berwick Lighthouse – with customers able to buy slices of the enormous creation.
Now, more than a century later, local baker Jim Ford of Ford’s Bakers is bringing the tradition back for Lighthouse 200.
Jim will create a new celebratory Lighthouse cake, which will be shared with members of the public as part of the opening celebrations.
So yes, there really was once a 400lb Lighthouse made of cake in Berwick. And now we’re doing it again.
Lighthouse 200 Cake
Saturday 10 October | 12 – 2pm | Berwick Market, Marygate
Find out more here.
A Lighthouse brought to life
One of the highlights of Lighthouse 200 will be In The Lighthouse, a spectacular new sound and light installation by North East artist Ed Carter.
Created to mark the 200th anniversary of Berwick Lighthouse and the 150th anniversary of Berwick Port, the work takes inspiration from the human endeavour involved in the work of a lighthouse keeper – and in particular, the remarkable story of Robina Burgon.
Robina was the first female lighthouse keeper in Berwick – and possibly the country. She took on the role in 1927, and again in 1929, when her father Alexander Burgon fell ill. Her story offers a personal glimpse into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the Lighthouse, bringing the human experience behind this familiar landmark to the fore.
Ed’s work is inspired by historic interviews with Robina, using her own words and experiences to explore both her life in the Lighthouse and themes that still resonate today.
The installation combines light and sound, with Robina’s words appearing at Ness Gate, overlooking Pier Road and the Lighthouse. Her story connects the audience with a woman who played a pioneering role in keeping Berwick’s harbour safe.
Ed Carter is a North East-based composer, sound artist and interdisciplinary practitioner whose work often responds to architectural, environmental and heritage contexts. His projects span orchestral and electronic music, film, sculpture, large-scale installation and sound.
In The Lighthouse
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 October | 6:30 – 9pm
Ness Gate, Pier Road & Berwick Lighthouse
Come and experience the installation for yourself. See the work from close up at Ness Gate and watch light and sound connect the town to the landmark that has watched over it for 200 years.
Find out more here.
Please note: the Pier will be closed during the installation for health & safety reasons.
Remembering the Audela
The Lighthouse’s story is inseparable from the sea – and from the ships that were built, launched and sailed from Berwick.
The Audela was the last ship to be built in Berwick, making her an important part of the town’s maritime story. She was also the last cruise boat to leave Berwick for the Caribbean while the Lighthouse was still in operation.
For Lighthouse 200, artist Claire Eason of Soul2Sand is bringing the Audela’s story back to life through a spectacular light installation beside the Lighthouse.
The work celebrates Berwick’s shipbuilding heritage, the port and the people, journeys and stories connected to the harbour – with the Lighthouse standing watch over it all.
From the Lighthouse to the shore
Claire and Soul2Sand will also take Lighthouse 200 down to Spittal Point Beach, creating a large-scale Lighthouse 200 emblem in the sand.
Made by hand and eventually reclaimed by the sea, the temporary artwork celebrates the Lighthouse’s connection with Berwick’s shoreline.
Come and watch the emblem take shape on Saturday 17 October and see the Lighthouse celebrated in a different yet connected medium. You can also join in and create your own star constellations – book your session here.
Lighthouse 200 Sand Art
Saturday 17 October | 2 – 3pm | Spittal Point Beach
Find out more here and book your sand art place.
What does the Lighthouse sound like?
For Lighthouse 200, Berwick Ensembles are creating a new piece of music inspired by the sounds of the Lighthouse and the shore.
The movement of the sea, the sounds of the harbour and the character of the coastline will become musical inspiration, bringing a new generation into the story of one of Berwick’s oldest landmarks.
The performance will take place near the Lighthouse, connecting the sound of the orchestra with the landscape that inspired the piece.
Berwick Ensembles
Saturday 17 October | 4 – 4:30pm | Lowry Pavilion, Pier Road
Come and celebrate Lighthouse 200
Over two special weekends, Berwick Lighthouse becomes a place for stories, creativity, music, light, art – and cake.
Saturday 10 October
Lighthouse 200 Cake by Ford’s Bakers
12 – 2pm | |Berwick Market, Marygate
Light & Sound Installation by Ed Carter
7 – 10pm | Ness Gate, Pier Road & Berwick Lighthouse
Sunday 11 October
Light & Sound Installation by Ed Carter
7 – 10pm | Ness Gate, Pier Road & Berwick Lighthouse
Saturday 17 October
Lighthouse 200 Sand Art by Soul2Sand
2 – 3:30pm | Spittal Point Beach
Berwick Ensembles
4 – 4:30pm | Lowry Pavilion, Pier Road.
Lighthouse 200 is a celebration of the people, stories and creativity inspired by Berwick Lighthouse over 200 years – and an invitation to experience this familiar landmark in a whole new light. Thanks to our supporters and funders including North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Northumberland County Council, Harbour Commission, Create Berwick and the Living Barracks Partnership.