Few songs - or at least few choruses - are as famous in North east England as Blaydon Races. It is one of few examples of regional culture that are known across Britain and beyond. Yet the song as not a great success in George Ridley's lifetime, and he died in 1864, aged 29. Here, 150 years after he wrote the 'Tyneside Anthem', is George's story, and the odyssey of Cushie Butterfield and his other surviving songs. The book includes a complete discography of all recordings of George Ridley's songs. Gannin' to Blaydon Races! is published in association with The Northumbria Anthology who have produced a CD of Ridley's songs and a commemorative DVD for the anniversary of the Blaydon Races.