A new version of The Blaydon Races has been unveiled by Newcastle United.
The club bringing fans the news on Wednesday afternoon.
The official club statement starting: ‘Newcastle United has officially released a new recording of The Blaydon Races, bringing together supporters, local musicians and regional music experts to ensure the iconic anthem continues to unite future generations of fans. A cornerstone of the matchday experience at St. James’ Park for decades, The Blaydon Races is a symbol of North East identity and a song cherished by fans around the world.’
The Blaydon Races is of course something that is synonymous with our football club.
Newcastle United going on to explain: ‘To preserve the song’s legacy while strengthening its impact inside the stadium, the club has worked closely with supporters to produce a refreshed version that stays true to its heritage. Developed in partnership with the North’s leading music development organisation, Generator, and Interval Records, the new recording features vocals from North Shields band Hector Gannet. The track has been produced and engineered by Alex Blamire, featuring the organ of St. Nicholas Cathedral and Northumbrian piper Chris Ormston – returning the song to its folk roots.’
The club stating: ‘Supporters played a central role in guiding the project. Representatives from the Fan Advisory Board, Newcastle United Supporters Trust, United With Pride, Newcastle United Supporters Club, Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association and Wor Flags took part in workshops and listening sessions. Feedback consistently highlighted the anthem’s importance, not only as a matchday tradition but as a symbol of North East culture. Supporter insights also influenced elements of the recording such as tempo, singalong feel and overall sound within St. James’ Park – while carefully preserving its heritage which has been passed through generations for over 160 years.’
Fans of other clubs have attempted to hijack The Blaydon Races and change the words including Manchester United (‘To see Matt Busby’s aces…’ indeed) and Sunderland supporters (‘Roker aces…).
Newcastle United going on to say: ‘Reflecting its significance both inside the stadium and across the wider region, the club has released three new versions of the anthem: a Stadium Track, Radio Edit, and an Extended Version featuring all original verses to retain the song’s authentic spirit. An accompanying music video celebrates both the song and the region. It captures everyday life in the North East; highs and lows, people and places, and a sense of belonging inspired by the anthem. The new track will make its matchday debut at St. James’ Park ahead of the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday 17 October, accompanied by a pre-match performance from Hector Gannet.’
So what do you think of this?
Director of Growth Marketing at Newcastle United, Natalie Raine: “The Blaydon Races is far more than a song; it is part of the fabric of Newcastle and a shared ritual passed between generations of supporters. From the outset, this has been about protecting that tradition while creating a recording worthy of its place at the club. Supporters have helped shape the process, and we wanted the new version to stay true to the song’s roots, strengthen the matchday experience and give fans something they can continue to make their own for generations to come.”
Newcastle United adding: ‘The project forms part of the club’s wider commitment to celebrating the traditions, symbols and stories that define Newcastle United. Following the recent launch of the evolved club crest, a new recording of The Blaydon Races represents another collaborative initiative focused on honouring the club’s heritage while ensuring it remains relevant for future generations.’
Chief Marketing Officer at Newcastle United Steven Taylor: “The crest and The Blaydon Races are two of the most powerful expressions of what Newcastle United means to our fans. They carry our history, our culture and the emotions that connect generations of supporters to this club and this city. Following this month’s crest launch, this is another opportunity to celebrate the heritage and traditions that make Newcastle United unique. Our ambition is to bring these stories to life in ways that feel authentic, deepen the connection with those who have supported the club for generations, and introduce the spirit and culture of Newcastle United to new audiences at home and around the world.”
This is The Blaydon Races.
Today we are proud to officially release a new recording of our city’s iconic anthem – bringing together supporters, local musicians and regional music experts to ensure the cherished song continues to unite future generations of fans.
Watch the full music video on our YouTube channel now, and listen to the track on all major music streaming platforms.
🎥 https://t.co/JCm4EotKFO
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) October 14, 2026
Aaron Duff, frontman of Hector Gannet frontman: “Blaydon Races belongs to the region, to every person that has sung it with passion and love for their home, their team, their family. It’s part of our identity; our past, present and future. We have a duty to celebrate our heritage, to preserve it, to pay it forward and ensure that those words are sung with pride for generations to come. It’s a song that we all have a connection to, it takes us to a time and a place, unique to our own lives. During recording I put everything into it, I was thinking about my son, my Mam and Dad and all the family and friends at home, and all those we’ve lost along the way too, I can almost hear their voices, like they’re with us when we sing this.”
Josh Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer at Generator and Head of Label at Interval Records, added: “Music has the power to hold memories, identity and a sense of place, and few songs mean as much to this region as The Blaydon Races. This was never about reinventing it, it was about creating something that could feel powerful in St. James’ Park today, and for years to come, while staying true to the song supporters have loved for generations. The recording feels brand new but so familiar, which is exactly what we hoped to achieve. It’s even more special to have created the record with an artist, producer and musicians from Newcastle, alongside the fans whose input was invaluable in shaping it throughout. Its DNA is this region, from end to end, and it’s been a genuine privilege for us to play a part in something that means so much to so many.”