Cllr Cath Homer is Conservative Councillor for Hexham East and Cabinet Member responsible for Arts, Leisure, Tourism & Culture across Northumberland. As the weekend approaches she takes the opportunity to wish people across the county a very happy Easter and highlights some of the many events and attractions on offer over the Bank Holiday.

This week's update is just a small snapshot of the many people and organisations promoting Northumberland in terms of organising events and activities, as well as welcoming visitors across the county. Northumberland has a world class offer and the next few months will bring some exciting opportunities. At Northumberland County Council we will shortly be presenting our county wide cultural strategy; we will be taking our Produced in Northumberland scheme to a showcase event in front of policy makers at Westminster; we will be embracing the Great Exhibition of the North with our own programme Great Northumberland, and we will be unveiling our digital platform promoting all the reasons why Northumberland is such a fantastic place in which to live, work, visit and  invest. Lots of reasons to be hopeful and forward looking this Easter time!

Whilst Northumberland is beautiful all year round, it is undoubtedly during Spring time that our great county really blossoms. As we prepare to celebrate Easter and enjoy time with friends and family, here's my top five suggestions of things to do this weekend.......

**VISIT A CASTLE** And where better to find one…...? Northumberland is home to more castles than any other county in England with over 70 castle sites. Some of them are long gone and others remain in all their glory.  We enjoy a legacy of the rich history of our county where Norman Lords built castles to suppress rebellion and defend the border with Scotland from invaders and Roman forces guarded a walled frontier.  Find out more at www.visitnorthumberland.com

**GET ON YOUR BIKE** With an abundance of open spaces, rolling hillsides, coastal flatlands, dramatic scenery, and quiet rural roads Northumberland is often described as every cyclist's dream. So, whether it's a purpose-built trail, a bridleway, or a family friendly route Northumberland has something for all - there is no better way of seeing all those places that a car just can't reach.  Find out more at www.Cyclenorthumberland.org.uk and www.visitkielder.com

**TRY LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD** High quality, unique and authentic food and drink not only contributes to the economy of the county, it also helps by increasing visitor numbers and making visitor experiences more memorable. But it's not just for visitors. The Northumberland County Council ‘Produced in Northumberland’ scheme currently has over 80 acclaimed producers signed up with more wanting to join.  Find out more at www.northumberland.gov.uk/Business/Produced-in-Northumberland.aspx

**DISCOVER OUR WILDLIFE** New born lambs are one of the first and most eagerly awaited signs that Spring is finally here. With a county that boasts miles and miles of unspoilt and undulating countryside, rich meadows, and rolling hillsides, there is much to see and experience. And it's not only lambs at this time of year, we are beginning to catch the first glimpses of deer, red squirrels, grouse, osprey, puffins, and otters - not to mention fields carpeted with bluebells and the aroma of wild garlic along our riverbanks.  Find out more at Www.nwt.org.uk or www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

And finally, **FEEL THE SEA BREEZE** And the sand between your toes with over 30 miles of spectacular coast line to enjoy, and some of the finest scenery in Europe. Find out more at Www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org 

And if the weather should turn out to let us down, there are many exciting activities planned for the holidays at  Www.experiencewoodhorn.com, www.activenorthumberland.org.uk, and www.mylibrary.co.uk