The North Shields 800 celebrations are launching in style with free events at the Exchange 1856 theatre On the evenings of Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1 North Shields band Hector Gannet is playing free ticketed concerts at the venue with more than 800 people expected to attend The tickets sold out in a matter of minutes and a second night was added due to high demand an invited audience will pack out The Exchange as North Shields 800 organisers share the exciting highlights in store for 2025 the launch features a live performance by musician Liam Fender children from New York Primary School singing ‘Spirit of the North’ and words from Sir Alan Campbell MP and Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE Throughout 2025, the people of the town are celebrating North Shields past, present and future with a vibrant calendar of projects and events for the town’s 800th anniversary. A dedicated website www.northshields800.com and social media channels are keeping everyone up to date including a Fact of the Day created by a team of local historians North Shields 800 will include a spectacular parade of boats and a blessing of the fishing fleet Musician Liam Fender is performing at the launch event and is leading the music film documentary North Shields: 800 Years of Harmony Liam said: “North Shields is a place with amazing creative energy and there are so many musicians and artists working and collaborating here “I’ve lived in this town all my life and have always felt the strength of the musical heritage the Pet Shop Boys and the Animals to name but a few Helping to launch the North Shields 800 celebrations is a real honour there is so much buzz and excitement around it “It’s about celebrating where North Shields is now and everything that has brought us to this point It’s going to be a brilliant year for the town.” Aaron Duff of Hector Gannet said: “We’re extremely proud to be helping to commemorate 800 years of our home town culture and community in which Hector Gannet is deeply rooted “We’re really looking forward to helping kick off the celebrations this weekend with two free ticketed concerts at The Exchange.” Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee Sir Alan Campbell MP said: “I’m looking forward to this year to showcase what a fantastic place North Shields is and looking forward to an even better future.” Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “North Shields is a very special place with an incredible heritage It has a lot to shout about in its 800th year all the investment that’s gone into North Shields in recent years and the growing creative economy in North Shields Cultural Quarter “It’s great to see the North Shields 800 celebrations starting in such style in the fantastic Exchange Theatre.” More information: www.northshields800.com The people of North Shields are working as a team to host a year of celebrations for the town’s 800th anniversary North Shields 800 will bring everyone together to enjoy a calendar of exciting events that celebrates North Shields past A programme of events has been selected to appeal to a wide range of audiences and to celebrate North Shields’ maritime railway and industrial heritage as well as its reputation as a vibrant destination for arts and culture and a thriving location for business It will include a spectacular parade of boats and a blessing of the fishing fleet Quadrant, The Silverlink North, Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, NE27 0BY | Directions The North Shields 800 website www.northshields800.com is live featuring dozens of exciting events and projects history resources and information about the town’s 800th anniversary celebrations during 2025 A year-long programme of events and activities is planned appealing to a wide range of audiences to celebrate North Shields’ past The programme reflects the town’s maritime This follows a tremendous response to a public call for project ideas with more than 60 separate proposals sent in These included a wide range of arts and heritage projects put forward by both established groups and new creative talent Plans are in progress for community events There will be a spectacular regatta and a blessing of the fishing fleet Social media accounts have been set up to keep people informed – follow @northshields800 on Facebook and Instagram A mix of light-hearted and deadly serious facts about the history of the town researched by local historians Alan Fidler Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee Sir Alan Campbell MP said: “There is a great deal of pride passion and creativity behind the North Shields 800 projects “I am looking forward to seeing them bring communities together raise the profile of the town and create a lasting legacy for the 800th anniversary celebrations “North Shields is a town of great character energy and heritage and that is reflected in this diverse programme of projects and events.” Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “The people of North Shields have come up with some incredible ways to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the town This exciting calendar of events will help attract visitors and inspire pride in the town and its unique identity 2025 is going to be a great year for North Shields.” North Shields 800 Creative Director Dominic Smith said: “Working alongside the passionate individuals who are delivering these inspiring and thoughtful projects is a privilege I feel very lucky to be a part of this vibrant community and its 800th anniversary celebrations Image caption: The North Shields 800 website by North Shields graphic designer Kimberley Creative with the people of the town working together to host a year of celebrations for its 800th anniversary North Shields was founded in 1225 as a village of simple huts called shiels on what is now the Fish Quay The fishing port served Tynemouth Priory and later grew into a thriving harbour and town It will include a spectacular regatta and a blessing of the fishing fleet community events and creative collaborations It will bring performing arts to the streets stage events at local venues and capture and record memories of the town in years gone by It is being organised by the community-led North Shields 800 Committee which has been meeting since mid-2023 The celebrations coincide with an ambitious regeneration programme for North Shields and the Fish Quay North Shields Cultural Quarter is helping the creative economy grow with support from North East Combined Authority The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response North Tyneside Council is the local government authority for the Metropolitan Borough of North Tyneside Based at the Quadrant building at the Cobalt Business Park the council is currently controlled by Labour and led by elected Mayor North Tyneside General Hospital / North of Tyne Combined Authority / North of Tyne Mayor North Shields Riverside Embankment Walkway has opened to the public for the first time The walkway links North Shields’ improved town centre with the bustling Fish Quay providing step-free access with route options to suit different needs The project has created an attraction in its own right attractive landscaping and an exciting public artwork coming soon Funding for the scheme was provided by the North East Combined Authority from the region’s Transforming Cities Fund It is part of North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for North Shields which aims to create a more vibrant town centre The Riverside Embankment Walkway has been designed with environmental sustainability and safety at its heart providing benefits for health and wellbeing and vastly improving the appearance of the local landscape the bank was overgrown with dense vegetation and the only pedestrian access to the Fish Quay was via historic steep flights of stairs or the difficult gradients of Borough Road The walkway has opened in time for Christmas making it easier for people to enjoy the pubs heritage attractions and artworks that make North Shields Fish Quay a popular leisure destination and desirable residential area The planting and landscaping will take time to establish due to the winter season and will flourish to its full potential during the spring and summer months Despite a delay to the project caused by the need for additional groundworks the project has hit its revised opening date of December 2024 The final road closures on Tyne Street and Bell Street/ Liddell Street have now been lifted Residents and businesses are thanked for their patience and understanding The construction of the walkway has been a complex feat of engineering involving a series of sheet pile retaining walls and reinforced earth slopes The most recent phases of the work have seen landscaping and electric lighting fitted with the final designs guided by input and feedback from the public An official event is being planned for 2025 to mark the installation of a sculpture depicting escaped enslaved woman Mary Ann Macham Mary Ann fled America by stowing away on a ship and settled in North Shields with a Quaker family who were prominent figures in the campaign to abolish slavery Designed in the style of a ship’s figurehead the sculpture by artist Keith Barrett will show Mary Ann breaking out of chains Deputy Mayor for North Tyneside and cabinet member responsible for Regeneration Culture and Economic Development said: “The completion of the Riverside Embankment Walkway is a major step forward in our ambitious regeneration of North Shields “For a long time people have been telling us they wanted better pedestrian links between the town centre and the Fish Quay It was one of the key things people wanted to see when we consulted the public about our plans for North Shields “This bold project has delivered a new walkway that connects the two parts of town more easily than ever before In such a stunning location overlooking the river we know it will be popular with locals and visitors alike and bring real benefits to the surrounding area “It links with our smart new public spaces at Howard Street Thomas Brown Town Square and the Transport Hub with improvement works on Bedford Street about to begin “The Embankment Walkway has been a hugely complex project and it has presented different challenges along the way We know it has caused noise and disruption for residents and businesses nearby and I’m delighted to see it finished in time for Christmas 2024 and the North Shields 800 celebrations in 2025 “We hope people will enjoy using it as they visit the hospitality on the Fish Quay over the festive season showing our local businesses their continued support.” said: “I’m pleased that the riverside embankment walkway scheme is now open for people to enjoy this is a welcome addition to the area and great news for pedestrians who can enjoy improved easy access to the town centre and bustling Fish Quay area “It is vital that we continue to invest in schemes which promote walking wheeling and cycling so that active travel becomes the natural first choice for local people North East director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are extremely proud to have supported North Tyneside Council in delivering this complex and major infrastructure project which will improve pedestrian access for people in North Shields and the Fish Quay “We would like to thank local residents and businesses for their co-operation and patience over the last two years and we hope that the North Shields community and visitors to the area will enjoy the benefits of the new walkway link for many years to come.” Work is about to begin on a major scheme of improvements for one of the busiest streets in North Shields Bedford Street is getting smart new paving mature trees and modern seating to create an attractive The scheme is due to be complete in mid-2025 The pedestrian area will be extended along the length of the street with access for emergency and maintenance vehicles only The new layout will improve safety and create extra outside space for café seating The work is being done by North Tyneside Council’s construction partner Capita Access to all shops will be maintained throughout the works and Bedford Street remains open for business The Council has spoken to affected premises about their delivery and access needs and new loading bays are being provided The clock tower outside the Beacon Centre will be demolished as part of the scheme to improve sightlines along Bedford Street and because it has become a maintenance liability Shoppers and businesses are thanked for their patience and understanding while the works are carried out Drivers will not be able to park on Bedford Street Extra spaces for blue badge holders are being added on Russell Street The Beacon Centre multi-storey remains the best parking option for shoppers and there will be drop-off areas in Wellington Street and West Percy Street The scheme is part of North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for North Shields which aims to create a more vibrant town centre improved Bedford Street will connect with other regeneration sites at the Transport Hub and the Riverside Embankment Walkway linking the Fish Quay to the town centre The project is funded by the North East Combined Authority Active Travel England and the UK Government Culture and Economic Development said: “It’s fantastic to see our main shopping area on Bedford Street becoming the latest part of town to be transformed as part of our ambitious plans for North Shields the Transport Hub and Thomas Brown Town Square are already looking very smart after being regenerated to a high standard It’s now Bedford Street’s turn to be given the same high-quality finish “People have been telling the Council they are worried about pedestrian safety on Bedford Street and we’re taking action to make it a safer place for everyone Having more room for outside seating and events will breathe new life into this important focal point of the town centre “We’ll continue talking to businesses and listening to their needs throughout these works and I’d encourage everyone to keep visiting Bedford Street to shop Kim McGuinness said: “Our high streets are so important for local people and this investment will further improve the vibrant “The pedestrian area will create a safe space for everyone to enjoy – whether that’s enjoying a coffee or popping into the local shops This development builds on recent improvements to the local Transport Hub and historic Northumberland Square area so it’s great news for local people and we will continue to invest in our high streets so that local businesses and our people are able to thrive.” Caption: An artist's impression of the finished scheme A sculpture of escaped enslaved woman Mary Ann Macham is taking shape at a studio in North Shields Created by artist Keith Barrett, Mary Ann has been carved from wood and is about to be cast in bronze ahead of her installation at the top of the town’s spectacular Riverside Embankment Walkway later this year, as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations The artwork represents Mary Ann’s moment of freedom as she arrived in North Shields on Christmas Day 1831 She fled a lifetime of abuse at a plantation in Virginia evading a search team with blood hounds before stowing away aboard a ship well-known Quakers who pushed for the abolition of slavery The sculpture is part of North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for North Shields Funding was provided by the North East Combined Authority from the region’s Transforming Cities Fund Artist Keith Barrett said: “I have committed to try and represent Mary Ann as she may have been at the moment of her arrival in North Shields I want to represent her power and her bravery and the fact that she came from a place of suffering and pain Her arrival in North Shields on Christmas Day 1831 represents a moment of freedom and finding a better life in black and white and taken later in life She is having to sit still for the Victorian camera so her expression is quite fixed but to animate her and make her appear as she may have been at the age of 29 when she arrived here I drew out her features and then sculpted her portrait in clay “I made the decision to portray her barefoot to symbolise the condition of slavery from which she had escaped and to help us connect with her humanity and strength she was whipped with cow hides and tortured Her own account of her escape says: “I have marks on me that I will carry to my grave.” I wanted the sculpture to bring us close to her to her deep pain and her moment of salvation.” Mary-Ann stowed away on a ship from Virginia to the Netherlands She was welcomed by the family of John Spence the Quaker philanthropist who John Spence Community High School in North Shields is named after John’s daughters were there to meet Mary Ann when she arrived in North Shields She is buried in Preston Cemetery and her gravestone reads: “Mary Ann Blyth née Macham Arrived in North Shields Christmas Day 1831 Welcomed into freedom by the Spence family Supported in her new life by the Quaker community.” Keith said: “When I cast Mary Ann in bronze I will add shackles to her wrists and broken chains to symbolise her breaking free I am creating a foundry for the bronze casting now “I have depicted her as a figurehead on the prow of a ship This links the tradition of the sculpture back to the icon of North Shields Even though Mary Ann arrived in North Shields by coach I’ve used a language of magic realism to tell the story of her escape and her arrival She’s part of the community of the world who came across the sea to call North Shields home over the centuries “Mary Ann will be lifted on to the top of the Riverside Embankment Walkway by crane and the spot is really fitting because at one point she lived just a few yards from there Culture and Economic Development said: “The Riverside Embankment Walkway sits at the top of North Shields’ historic Fish Quay and we are proud to be installing this important public artwork at the top of the bank “North Shields has a rich and diverse history Mary Ann’s is one of the amazing stories we have helped to tell in a series of public artworks as part of our Ambition for North Shields will be unveiled to coincide with our North Shields 800 anniversary celebrations present and future of the town and its people.” Entry is now open for the popular North Tyneside 10K Road Race The event will take place on Sunday 21 September 2025 later in the year to allow for the completion of the seafront cycleway The race sets off from the Parks Sports Centre in North Shields Tynemouth Priory and Castle and a long stretch of coastline before finishing at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay Entry is £21 (£20 for affiliated club runners) and includes a goodie bag and branded race t-shirt Enter the North Tyneside 10k The event is organised by North Tyneside Council and supported by Start Fitness Voters in North Tyneside will be heading to the polls on Thursday to elect their new Mayor There are seven runners and riders for this Mayoral election, with Labour Reform UK and two independent candidates vying for the role Following a change in legislation under the last Conservative Government voters are required to present a form of ID in order to cast their ballot provisional and full driving licences and older person’s bus passes A full list of valid IDs and conditions can be found on the Electoral Commission website Residents will have been allocated a total of 98 polling stations to attend this year. Here is a complete list of polling stations in North Tyneside for polling day: Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device All you need to do is choose which community you want to join click on the link and press 'join community' No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team We also treat our community members to special offers To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group' If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice CLICK HERE TO JOIN Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right British art rock band Django Django will play their only gig of 2024 at King Street Social Club in North Shields in a major coup for the town’s music scene They take to the stage for an Are You Affiliated event on 7 December Are You Affiliated is an independent music venue operated by North Tyneside-based international DJ Man Power (aka Geoff Kirkwood) It has hosted some of the biggest names in electronic dance music for the last two years Django Django’s appearance marks the first live band performance in the venue since recent investment from Kirkwood and partners saw the venue upgraded to include the installation of a brand new Martin Audio sound system The bill features Lizzie Esau a North East-based artist who is starting to gather lots of attention with support from BBC Introducing and an appearance at Glastonbury Festival The event has led to new music from the headliners with a collaboration between Django Django and Man Power being released exclusively on vinyl on the day of the gig The event is presented as a collaboration between Are You Affiliated, local promoters Shin Gigs, Mouth of the Tyne Festival and North Tyneside Council Geoff Kirkwood said: “For over a decade Django Django has been one of the most exciting and least predictable bands to dominate British leftfield music “They’ve chosen to do their one and only gig of 2024 at a working men’s club in a post-industrial town on the North East coast of England “This event sees all involved coming together to continue the incredible music-led transformation of a town that has previously seen relative hardship over the last decades combined with its warm community and open-minded audiences has seen it go from being a little-known town to a cultural destination in a very short space of time with press coverage by everyone from The Sunday Times Economic Development and Culture said: “The Council and its partners have been committed to revitalising and reimaging North Shields Town Centre through our ambitious regeneration programme securing a big name from the UK music scene to play at a recently developed independent venue show that this approach is working at the North Shields Town Centre has so much to offer  “We are bringing the culture of our Borough to life “Working with imaginative minds like Geoff Kirkwood Shin Gigs and Are You Affiliated gives the Borough a strong platform to deliver more bringing the stars of today to North Shields and showcasing the talent of the future “The Mouth of The Tyne festival continues to go from strength to strength we have already announced Elbow as a headliner for 2025 and are looking forward to revealing more of the line up and ticket information in the coming weeks.” Bright, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s official charity has appointed Nic Quinn and Colin Davies from art production practice Sum.Place to create a mobile sculpture for the new Berwick Community Hospital Artwork plays an important role in enhancing hospital environments and with the development of the new state-of-the-art hospital in Berwick plans are in place for a mobile sculpture to hang inside the main entrance to welcome visitors North Shields-based art production practice have been selected as the artists to create this piece of artwork after presenting a design concept with strong connections to Berwick’s history as a fishing town Drawing inspiration from the open space in the atrium their proposed sculpture involves suspending an arrangement of approximately 2000 fish To keep this project in line with the sustainability targets of the new-build and the Net Zero Northumbria action plan each fish will be made from recycled NHS waste The manufacture of the sculpture will take place in Sum.Place’s studio in North Shields before being transported for installation in Berwick While the final aim of the sculpture is to bring a welcome distraction to those in the hospital community wellbeing remains a strong focus throughout the project  Creative workshops will be held to give residents the chance to meet the artists take part in creative activities and learn more about the project Sum.Place have used a creative workshop approach for many of the public art installations in their portfolio and it has been successful in supporting the wellbeing of local communities The workshops provide a social opportunity for residents to take part in a creative art-making session that relates to the heritage of the town while discussing their own experiences and stories of life in Berwick Creative workshops have been arranged in Berwick for the following dates and times: Workshops are also being arranged to involve students at Berwick Academy and Northumbria staff creative director from Sum.Place said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in this project especially during such a significant time for the people of Berwick Art in public spaces has a profound impact on wellbeing bringing joy to everyday moments and offering comfort in challenging times We're excited to work with the local community to deliver an innovative installation that tells a story and positively reflects the town.” The ethos of Sum.Place’s practice states that public art is a matter of public health and this aligns with Bright’s Healing arts programme which enhances hospital environments to support wellbeing and create a welcome distraction in clinical spaces said: “The development of the new hospital is a fantastic opportunity for the arts because we have a blank canvas to work with The atrium will have a high footfall so it’s an ideal location to have a positive impact and be seen by patients Berwick is known for having a strong sense of community so we want people to be involved with this project and be proud to influence a milestone in the town’s history.” said: “The new hospital has been a long time coming so it’s important that the community is provided with an environment that meets different aspects of their needs whether this is for a one-off appointment or a longer stay we have a responsibility to provide a welcoming space that supports people’s wellbeing.” This project has been funded and organised by Bright charity’s award-winning healing arts programme which enhances healthcare environment for patients Berwick’s new community hospital, which will open later this year, will improve patient care and patient and staff experience. To find out more about he progress of the project and about patient services, please visit our website Louise.Alexander@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk The people of North Shields are being asked to choose a logo design for the North Shields 800 celebrations in 2025 Three options have been created that celebrate the town’s past present and future including its proud maritime heritage and its growing reputation as a vibrant arts and culture destination People can go online to vote using Our North Tyneside Voice digital engagement website or they can pop into North Shields Library and cast a vote in person before Friday 20 September The winning logo will feature on the new North Shields 800 website and be made available to funders and supporters so they can proudly display their support One of the designs was put forward as a voluntary contribution by local designer Kimberley Creative The other two designs were created by the graphic design team at North Tyneside Council North Shields 800 will feature a calendar of exciting events throughout 2025 These include a spectacular parade of sail and a blessing of the fishing fleet Anyone interested in organising an event as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations can contact funding.matters@northtyneside.gov.uk for an application form with a deadline of Friday 20 September for completed applications The celebrations coincide with an ambitious regeneration programme for North Shields and the Fish Quay which is almost complete North Shields Cultural Quarter is helping the creative economy grow to regenerate the town centre Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee Sir Alan Campbell MP said: “The North Shields 800 celebrations are being driven by a fantastic community effort so it is fitting that the logo should be chosen by the people of North Shields “Asking the public to choose is a great way of getting more people involved and interested in the celebrations ahead of what is set to be an exciting year of events in 2025 “We want North Shields 800 to bring together the different groups and communities that call North Shields home attract visitors and raise the profile of the town We already have a broad membership on the committee who are working hard to make North Shields 800 a success We want as many people from the town on board as possible.” Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “North Shields 800 is all about inspiring pride in the town and bringing in visitors to discover its rich history and vibrant hospitality and for this reason the public are being asked to help choose a logo Our ambitious regeneration of North Shields town centre continues with improvements to Bedford Street about to begin “North Shields 800 celebrates the town’s past and it will be wonderful to see the community come together for so many different events and activities in 2025.” Young musicians are scoring a range of new opportunities as their Music Hub takes up residence in North Shields Cultural Quarter North Tyneside Music Education Hub is now based in the Business Centre on Saville Street It’s in a prime position for exciting collaborations the Exchange 1856 and King Street Social Club Joint projects are already being planned including performances behind-the-scenes music technology training and the chance to shadow professional musicians during gigs at local venues North Shields Cultural Quarter is part of North Tyneside Council’s ambitious plans for North Shields, enhancing and growing the creative economy. It is supported by the North East Combined Authority The hub offers a wide range of free musical activities for young musicians of all ages and standards The groups meet weekly in term-time at venues across North Tyneside The young people are given regular opportunities to perform In September 2024, North Tyneside Council became the lead partner for a £3.7 million regional Music Hub consortium covering Darlington £1 million of the funding is to support the purchase of new instruments It’s part of a national programme delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Education North Tyneside Music Education Hub lead Julie Dorr said: “Since we relocated into our new offices in the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter we have had so many inspiring conversations and offers to work together with amazing creative people “There’s such a buzz in North Shields at the moment, it’s infectious, and it’s getting passed on to the children and young people.  By being in North Shields we’re making stronger links with incredible industry role models like Geoff Kirkwood of Man Power, Bernii Mac of Becoming the Artist and Susan French of Crew Gal “We already had a great relationship with Helix Arts through the North Tyneside Cultural Education Partnership but now we share a building we can work together even more closely to offer opportunities to our young people “North Shields Cultural Quarter project manager Karen Taws has a desk here too so she’s on hand to give us lots of support and ideas to grow our work “It’s wonderful to be part of a creative network that our young people can access now “We’ve been working with North Shields Opera Chorus we have close ties with the Exchange 1856 theatre who welcome us for concerts we have our weekly rock school at Traxx Studios in North Shields and we are supported by Music Partnership North Newcastle “Our large freelance workforce love us being here North Tyneside Business Centre allows space for them to come in and make contact we take our work out to all parts of North Tyneside with hundreds of young people attending Saturday morning sessions at the Langdale Centre in Wallsend mid-week sessions at John Spence High School and performances at events across the borough such as markets working with North Tyneside Council events team.” Economic Development and Culture said: “The creative economy in North Shields is really taking off and there’s so much positive news coming out of North Shields Cultural Quarter right now “This is an exciting time for artists and creative businesses and it’s fantastic to see North Tyneside’s young musicians being given new opportunities thanks to this tide of creative energy in and around North Shields “I wish North Tyneside Music Education Hub every success in its new home and I look forward to seeing what comes of all the collaborations and joint projects being planned.” was last seen on CCTV shortly after 11pm on 10 October 2002 walking towards the Coronation Street area of North Shields Credit: Northumbria PolicePolice investigating the disappearance of a man more than 22 years ago have released a major update with new evidence suggesting he may have been attacked on the night he went missing walking towards the Coronation Street area of in North Shields on Tyneside officers from Northumbria Police say new evidence has come to light which suggests that moments after this Scott was assaulted while on Coronation Street Police are keeping an open mind as to the exact circumstances surrounding what happened to Scott they have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and spoken to various witnesses as they look to piece together his movements Unconfirmed sightings in the early hours of the following day placed a man matching his description near the banks of the River Tyne with the support of the current occupant who moved in after 2002 officers conducted searches at an address in Coronation Street where it was known Scott visited the evening he went missing Scott's family have released an emotional appeal urging anyone who knows anything about his disappearance to come forward They said “We are desperate for answers to end the heartbreak of not knowing what has happened “We will never give up or stop searching for answers as we need closure to end the years of pain we have endured for so long “We just want to know what happened to Scott.” Free creative writing courses funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter are heading into a new chapter after Age UK North Tyneside took up the tale Creative writing service Write on the Tyne CIC is run by author Helen Aitchison, who ran the sell-out courses at North Shields Library and Exchange 1856 during 2024 They included Introduction to Creative Writing Writing for Wellbeing and Routes to Publishing Some of the learners were Age UK North Tyneside customers and the charity has now offered a free teaching space for future sessions at its Bradbury Centre in North Shields The sessions will be held once a month on a Friday starting in January Helen Aitchison will attend the first session to offer guidance Budding writers will support one another as they learn with Age UK North Tyneside staff available if needed Helen said: “This is a wonderful continuation of our creative writing teaching for some of our existing learners as well as new learners who have decided to join the group This is an added-value outcome as the result of the generous funding we received from North Shields Cultural Quarter for our courses throughout this year “The fact that there are already 15 people wanting to be part of the group reflects not only the appetite for creativity in our community but also the connection many people have felt through writing “Some of the learners from our North Shields courses are going to start volunteering with Age UK North Tyneside through a letter writing befriending service I’ve been involved with setting up two brilliant outcomes from the generous support and supportive partnership working the wonderful Age UK North Tyneside team and North Shields Cultural Quarter.” The creative writing courses funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter got glowing feedback One learner said: “The courses have been really good and a way to meet new people as well as learn so much about creative writing I have the confidence now and look forward to the group at Age UK North Tyneside.” Another said: “It's got me out of the house and doing something I thought I could never do It will be lovely to keep writing with the group support and motivation Age UK North Tyneside head of charity services said: “Helen is a talented creative writing teacher and a warm and caring person who has really inspired some of our customers to explore their writing skills “Writing as a group is great for mental health and wellbeing share memories and have fun in the process “We are delighted to be offering a space at our Bradbury Centre in North Shields to allow these creative writing sessions to continue We have already had a great response from our customers and we’re sure they will be very popular.” Culture and Economic Development said: “Through these creative writing courses North Shields Cultural Quarter funding has been a starting point for something positive happening The ongoing group sessions have the potential to really enrich people’s lives “Outcomes like this just go to show what can be achieved when our valued partners like Write on the Tyne and Age UK North Tyneside work together with our support It’s great to see that this funding has started the ball rolling and I hope everyone involved gets a lot of benefit from taking part.” To sign up for a place on the Age UK North Tyneside creative writing group, please call 0191 280 8484 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk Photo caption: A Write on the Tyne creative writing course at the Exchange 1856 funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter Credit: Stuart FearnA series of large scale murals on prominent buildings in North Shields will be one of the events marking the 800th anniversary of the founding of the town The project will be run by Elevation a community arts charity established by residents of North Shields to commemorate the town's 800th occasion “Our mission is to transform North Shields into a vibrant canvas for public art as part of the town’s 800th celebrations and create a series of high-quality public murals that capture the history and spirit of North Shields while enhancing the local feel-good factor,” said Matt Wilson “We have identified eight key buildings with prominent elevations The murals will not only beautify our town but also create an art trail that invites exploration and appreciation Read more: Daily facts from 800 years of history “Our ambition is to set a new standard for mural quality, drawing inspiration from a new generation of outdoor artists who have flourished thanks to the recent boom in street-art festivals.” Elevation will collaborate with a range of mural artists to bring North Shields stories and spirit to life through the murals around the town centre and Fish Quay. A recent ‘taster’ mural has been created in Albion Road in North Shields by the artist Prefab_77. Elevation says it is committed to not only celebrating the 800th anniversary, but also expanding its public art initiatives well beyond 2025, and possibly in neighbouring towns. The Living River projectOther events in the 800 programme include: The Living River will mark North Shields’ 800-year heritage by providing a view of the town’s history through the lens of the River Tyne. It will focus on the integral role the river has played in shaping the town’s identity and development. Connecting past and present, it will show how North Shields has evolved over centuries while preserving its maritime and cultural heritage. A music film documentary highlighting the cultural and musical heritage of North Shields, produced and directed by Northeast Fuse and XL Creative Media and featuring musician Liam Fender and other local performers. The Flight Home will be an art trail using life size herring gulls, each decorated in a way that reflects the history, heritage and culture of North Shields. Each gull has a QR code providing more information about the background of its subject matter and sharing stories about the town. The gulls will be decorated by anyone who enthusiasm for North Shields and will be located in shops, cafes, pubs, art galleries etc throughout the area. A textile map is planned as a community arts project involving a wide range of local people from design through to completion, working with artist Gaynor Devaney. Words and Danger is a theatre heritage venture inspired by local suffragette Norah Balls empowering women and girls in North Shields through drama and storytelling explores contemporary issues and fosters community pride A project by the Stephenson Steam Railway will capture key elements of the railway history of North Shields and explore why it has made such a significant impact to social It will bring together research and objects from the North Tyneside Steam Railway collection as well as a visiting locomotive to help tell the story June 20 will see a parade from The Fisherman artwork on Fiddlers Green to The Herring Girl statue on the Western Quay together with a flotilla of fishing and private vessels on the river and a blessing of the fleet A new permanent exhibition at the Old Low Light heritage centre will explore the history of North Shields from 1225 to the present For more details see www.northshields800.com Chairman of the North Shields 800 Committee Sir Alan Campbell MP said: “There is a great deal of pride, passion and creativity behind the North Shields 800 projects. “I am looking forward to seeing them bring communities together, raise the profile of the town and create a lasting legacy. North Shields is a town of great character, energy and heritage and that is reflected in this diverse programme of projects and events.” Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn said: “The people of North Shields have come up with some incredible ways to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the town. “This exciting calendar of events will help attract visitors, support local businesses, and inspire pride in the town and its unique identity. 2025 is going to be a great year for North Shields.” North Shields 800 creative director Dominic Smith said: “Working alongside the passionate individuals who are delivering these inspiring and thoughtful projects is a privilege. “ A \u2018taster\u2019 mural by artist Prefab_77 The project will be run by Elevation \u201COur mission is to transform North Shields into a vibrant canvas for public art as part of the town\u2019s 800th celebrations and create a series of high-quality public murals that capture the history and spirit of North Shields while enhancing the local feel-good factor,\u201D said Matt Wilson \u201CWe have identified eight key buildings with prominent elevations Read more: Daily facts from 800 years of history \u201COur ambition is to set a new standard for mural quality, drawing inspiration from a new generation of outdoor artists who have flourished thanks to the recent boom in street-art festivals.\u201D A recent \u2018taster\u2019 mural has been created in Albion Road in North Shields by the artist Prefab_77. The Living River will mark North Shields\u2019 800-year heritage by providing a view of the town\u2019s history through the lens of the River Tyne. It will focus on the integral role the river has played in shaping the town\u2019s identity and development. A project by the Stephenson Steam Railway A new permanent exhibition at the Old Low Light heritage centre will explore the history of North Shields from 1225 to the present For more details see www.northshields800.com Chairman of the North Shields 800 Committee Sir Alan Campbell MP said: \u201CThere is a great deal of pride \u201CI am looking forward to seeing them bring communities together raise the profile of the town and create a lasting legacy North Shields is a town of great character energy and heritage and that is reflected in this diverse programme of projects and events.\u201D Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn said: \u201CThe people of North Shields have come up with some incredible ways to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the town \u201CThis exciting calendar of events will help attract visitors 2025 is going to be a great year for North Shields.\u201D North Shields 800 creative director Dominic Smith said: \u201CWorking alongside the passionate individuals who are delivering these inspiring and thoughtful projects is a privilege Free family festival North Tyneside Together returns this summer with a day of entertainment celebrating the borough’s multicultural diversity The event is being held in Northumberland Square in North Shields town centre on Saturday 31 August a tombola and the first ever North Tyneside Together puppet mascot created by puppeteer and artist Saya Rose Naruse with help from the community The puffin’s body is being designed and built by a steering group of volunteers at the Exchange 1856 in North Shields It will then be covered with feathers made by the community at a drop-in session at the Linskill Centre on Saturday 24 August from 11am to 4pm North Tyneside Together is organised by North Tyneside Council’s Ethnic Diversity Community Task Force whose members work to tackle racism and celebrate equality and diversity throughout North Tyneside Among the entertainment on offer will be North Tyneside Steel Band and local theatre and storytelling event Curious Caravan said: “North Tyneside Together is a chance to celebrate the fantastic diversity of our borough “Organisations and groups from our local communities work together to put on an exciting programme of performances and activities for everyone to enjoy “This is a free family day out that gives people a chance to share cultures food and art and it’s always a fantastic atmosphere It’s become a special highlight of the North Tyneside events calendar.” 7th April 2025Words: Daisy Carter Photos: Emma Swann A Stone’s Throw Festival has confirmed that this year’s event is taking on the full May bank holiday weekend for the very first time, with indie-noir favourites The Horrors set to headline the festival’s inaugural opening party Due to take to the stage at The Exchange 1856 on Friday 23rd May, the band - who recently returned with their sixth album, ‘Night Life’ - will top a TBA bill of exciting supports ahead of Lanterns On The Lake’s performance at King Street Social Club on Saturday 24th Tickets for A Stone’s Throw 2025 will take place from 23rd-25th May across multiple North Shields venues. You can find out more and nab tickets via the festival’s website and check out the full lineup poster below Get tickets to watch The Horrors live now. £27.99 £27.99 £27.99 £27.99 £24.99 £14.99 On sale now It’ll be the beer brand’s inaugural event at the beloved East London venue Neu DIY’s essential guide to the best new music Album Review A record where The Horrors burn the midnight oil with a new intensity In The Studio Line-up changes and lengthy pauses could have derailed The Horrors permanently sixth LP ​‘Night Life’ sees them re-emerging streamlined and strong Subscribe here to receive regular updates from DIY on all things festivals Latest Issue April 2025 Advertise with DIY ↑ Back to the top The information on this page is intended for journalists If you click NO you will come back to Mynewsdesk.com Bus operator Go North East has announced changes to services across North Tyneside The changes include the introduction of two new services and adjustments to timetables to improve reliability New service 356 combined with the existing service 355 will offer journeys every 30 minutes for passengers travelling between Newcastle and Forest Hall Service 356 will improve links to key destinations the 356 route will extend to Whitley Bay from Forest Hall This connection received positive feedback in Go North East’s consultation with passengers Go North East will also take over the operation of service 342 with changes to both the route and timetable from Wallsend to Kingston Park The service changes have been made following extensive consultation by Go North East with their customers and stakeholders The consultation feedback highlighted that service 352 between Cramlington and Newcastle provides a vital link for commuters including those travelling to work at the Freeman Hospital Go North East will continue to operate this service during peak times on weekdays Feedback from the consultation has also led to the adjustment of several timetables to provide better connections to schools and other transport services “We are pleased to confirm our finalised plans for our network in North Tyneside “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to our consultation exercise; we have listened to your feedback and made several changes from our original proposals “These changes are designed to provide a more reliable and useful service for our customers We look forward to welcoming customers on board the revised routes.” The changes are summarised below, with full timetables available on the Go North East website. Coaster 1 Whitley Bay-Metro Centre: Minor timetable changes to improve service reliability Journeys to Whitley Bay on Sunday will terminate in the town centre and will no longer extend to Bournemouth Gardens (Band stand) 340/341 Wallsend-Hadrian Park: Service renumbered from 41 (340) and 41A (341) Minor timetable changes to improve reliability 54 Newcastle-Whitley Bay: This evening/Sunday Nexus contract service has been taken over from Stagecoach by Go North East Cobalt & Coast 307/309 Newcastle-Blyth/North Shields: Timetable changes to provide a more reliable service 317 Wallsend-Whitley Bay: Minor timetable changes to improve service reliability NEW 342 Wallsend-Kingston Park: Go North East will take over the operation of this service from 23 March 2025 The route has been changed to operate from Wallsend to Kingston Park Nexus will reintroduce their service M71 to maintain links between Kingston Park and Newbiggin Hall Additional 342 journeys will operate every hour Monday – Saturday daytime between Wallsend and Benton Rise This will provide journeys up to every 30 minutes between Benton Rise and Wallsend Metro 352 Newcastle-Cramlington: The timetable will be changed with only peak commuter journeys operating on weekdays Alternative services provided by Go North East and Stagecoach are available for most customers 353 North Shields-Cramlington: Timetable changes to improve service reliability 354 Newcastle-North Shields: Timetable changes to improve service reliability NEW 355/356 Newcastle-Forest Hall-Whitley Bay: These services will provide journeys up to every 30 minutes between Newcastle and Forest Hall service 356 will also travel beyond Forest Hall to Whitley Bay via Killingworth This new service will replace most of Nexus service 359 X39 Newcastle-Cobalt Park (peak times only): Minor timetable changes to improve reliability X78 Newcastle-Darras Hall (evenings): The contract for this service has been awarded to Stagecoach who will operate the service from 25 March 2025 Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership adopting a collaborative approach with governments local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all Go North East website Around 175,000 journeys are made on Go North East bus services every day to travel around this wonderful region or to visit one of the region's many tourist and leisure attractions Go North East has connected the region's towns and villages with the cities of Newcastle Durham and Sunderland and currently operates across Northumberland with a fleet of almost 700 buses and coaches and an annual turnover of £100m the company is the regional subsidiary of the Go-Ahead Group plc one of the UK's leading providers of passenger transport When you choose to create a user account and follow a newsroom your personal data will be used by us and the owner of the newsroom for you to receive news and updates according to your subscription settings To learn more about this, please read our Privacy Policy, which applies to our use of your personal data, and our Privacy Policy for Contacts which applies to the use of your personal data by the owner of the newsroom you follow Please note that our Terms of Use apply to all use of our services You can withdraw your consent at any time by unsubscribing or deleting your account Dozens of staff from North Tyneside Council have sprung into action to give a North Shields estate a much-needed spring clean teams from across the council carried out an intensive cleanup operation and removed over 6.5 tonnes of waste from the Balkwell Green neighbourhood Staff from Environmental Services and Housing joined forces to tackle waste and overgrown areas — giving local streets some much-needed TLC Residents played their part by putting out items for free collection while council teams worked hard to make the area cleaner The teams had an unexpected helping hand from resident Mesfin Weldeslassie who volunteered on the spot when he saw the crews arrive and I’m learning some new skills as well.” and Simpson Street and followed a similar day of action in Howdon last October It’s all part of the council’s commitment to keeping North Tyneside a great place to live Our teams have been tackling fly-tipping and collecting bulky waste that residents have put out “It’s been brilliant to see so many staff involved and residents have told us they’re really pleased with the work The convenience of having bulky items collected has been a big help and it’s great to see the community getting involved—like Mesfin Residents are encouraged to report flytipping incidents online at my.northtyneside.gov.uk or by calling Envirolink on 0345 2000 103 Doctors are urging people in the North East and North Cumbria to take control of their heart health by having a simple blood pressure check Monitoring blood pressure through regular checks could prevent life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes North Tyneside Council is supporting the NHS in the North East and North Cumbria's new pilot scheme in areas known to have low take up of blood pressure checks Council staff at the Customer First Centres in Wallsend and North Shields can now help residents check their blood pressure The new kiosks are part of an initiative where machines will be installed in six community centres across the region providing an easy and convenient way for people to monitor their blood pressure and get vital help if needed Middlesborough and North Tyneside are funded by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) with North Tyneside Council funding one of the North Tyneside kiosks Community Champions have also been trained at each centre to assist with using the kiosks and guiding individuals on next steps if their readings are high returnable home blood pressure monitoring kits are also available for those needing further monitoring GP in Sunderland and clinical lead for Cardiovascular Disease often called the 'silent killer,' can go unnoticed because it has no obvious symptoms This new pilot is all about making it easier for people in our communities to take that crucial step towards better heart health We're focusing on areas with a higher risk of undiagnosed high blood pressure as we know if high blood pressure is diagnosed early by a simple check many local pharmacies also offer free blood pressure checks or people can contact their GP surgery is the world's leading cause of death and disability and cardiovascular disease Managing high blood pressure often involves simple lifestyle changes such as reducing salt and high-fat food intake and limiting alcohol use to 14 units weekly for both men and women Medications can also effectively control blood pressure High blood pressure is considered to be from 140/90mmHg (or an average of 135/85mmHg at home) – or 150/90mmHg (or an average of 145/85mmHg at home) if you're over the age of 80 Around 5.5 million people in England have undiagnosed hypertension and don’t know they are at risk The only way to check is by having your blood pressure measured The NHS recommends that adults over 40 have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years - and ideally every year if your blood pressure is borderline or you have any lifestyle risk factors Further information about high blood pressure is available on the NHS website The Globe Gallery has come home to its original premises in North Shields and is set to open later this month with a world-class art exhibition The prominent corner building at 97 Howard Street sits in the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter It features exhibition space as well as a community room for artist workshops and health and wellbeing projects which is coming soon. Globe has space in next door shop Odd Ours books and original art can be purchased alongside vintage It will reopen to the public on 27 July with an exhibition of new paintings by internationally-renowned artist Mark Fairnington entitled Sottobosco Tales of the Undergrowth The Globe Gallery first opened at 97 Howard Street in 1995 after six months work to transform the building from a derelict shell into a vibrant art space the gallery was named after the Globe Boot Company a well-loved shoe shop that used to occupy the site Globe moved to Newcastle in 2011 and has since had six different homes including the city’s Commercial Union House Globe founder and chief executive Rashida Davison has called North Shields home for more than three decades and is delighted to be returning to the gallery’s birthplace Rashida said: “97 Howard Street is Globe’s spiritual home We are returning in time for our 30th anniversary and this is a very special moment for us “Globe Gallery has kept its close ties with North Shields we have a lot of friends and a core audience here who have supported us for many years we believe in making art accessible to everyone and making connections with people from all walks of life is an important part of what Globe does This prominent corner site is perfect for that it means we can be close to the community and guided by the people of North Shields.” Since Globe left in 2011 the unit has been used as a workshop and storage facility but the basic layout is still the same Working with architect Graham McGinty and North Tyneside Council new lighting installed and the community room is soon to be fitted out with the help of the National Lottery Community Fund Changes have been made to improve accessibility and create a space for workshops Rashida said: “This is a space I know and feel comfortable in I know what opportunities it offers and what is possible here Our aspiration is to bring in exhibitions that people might not normally see outside London and the major cities and combine this with a health and wellbeing programme “We also want to create opportunities for creatives who live work and practice in North Tyneside to exhibit their work so as well as using the gallery we are bringing the Globe’s work out into other spaces such as 131 Bedford Street Exchange 1856 and the Tynemouth Metro station bridge “When we took over the building back in 1994 it was pretty derelict Bringing it back to life was a labour of love and a real team effort When we were asked by North Tyneside Council to come home and be a central part of the Cultural Quarter “It’s fabulous to be back at the heart of the North Shields artistic community There’s been a lot of investment and regeneration in the area around Howard Street it’s got a new lease of life as a creative destination.” Globe’s opening exhibition on 26 July will be a series of paintings by Mark Fairnington an internationally-renowned artist born in Gateshead His paintings have been exhibited at the Natural History Museum Baltic and National Trust property Cherryburn Rashida said: “These new paintings are breathtakingly large scale oil paintings based on a barren tree stump coming back to life This new body of work is all about renewal perfect for the story of Globe coming back to North Shields in the middle of this period of regeneration and new beginnings “We’re a forward-looking contemporary gallery but the history of this building is very important too When we first took the building on in 1994 it was going to be named Howard Street Art Centre “It had been the first telephone exchange in North Shields and at one time it was used by the Socialist Party for meetings The one thing that really stood out was the lower corner ‘shop’ space which had been The Globe Boot Company We knew it would resonate with the local community who had come here for many years to buy shoes and still we hear many stories relating to this time “For our 10th anniversary in 2005 we worked with artists to recreate the shoe shop only this time the shoe boxes contained artwork from artists across the globe Visitors were given a list to choose from and the ‘shop assistant’ would get the chosen boxes down for visitors to view the artwork inside “It's our 30th anniversary in 2025 and we want to celebrate Globe’s past but we’ll look at it a different way to last time Our anniversary coincides with the North Shields 800 celebrations and we’re working on ideas to contribute something really special to that celebrating the artistic life and heritage of this inspiring town.” Economic Development and Culture said: “We are delighted that Globe Gallery has come home to the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter “Globe has been part of fabric of the town’s artistic community for decades Having this exhibition space in the town centre brings opportunities for local national and international artists to show their work in North Shields “This will be a welcoming place where everyone can come and enjoy art as well as community wellbeing activities Its site on the corner of Howard Street and Saville Street is now a destination area for arts and culture helping to regenerate the economy of the town centre.” Book your ticket for the preview event on 26 July This project is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund It was previously funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is now supported by the new North East Combined Authority North Shields Cultural Quarter is part of the North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone programme North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has today announced plans to build a new £14.6m landing for the Shields Ferry at North Shields Fish Quay The Mayor has pledged to greatly improve public transport across the region and invest in infrastructure that creates jobs and more opportunities for local people the Mayor is set to recommend formally signing off £4.58m from the region’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) towards the overall cost of the project – the remaining funding is listed in the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme On a visit to the Shields Ferry earlier today the Mayor said the Shields Ferry was a historic and regionally valued service that remains a vital connection for many thousands of people in the region the public body which runs the cross-Tyne service welcomed the Mayor’s support for the new north landing which is planned to be built at the regenerated North Shields Fish Quay The current North Shields landing is at the end of its life and urgently needs to be replaced Nexus has now began the process of tendering for a specialist contractor to build the new Ferry landing said: “The Shields Ferry is a historic part of our transport network taking pride of place on the iconic banks of the River Tyne It’s an essential link for many people to get to work and brings together communities on the North and South of the river “I am wholly supportive of North Tyneside’s plans to revive the Fish Quay and give it a new lease of life The Shields Ferry service is a vital part of this exciting future but it urgently needs investment so that it can be enjoyed by residents for many years to come “I will improve public transport for local people and make sure we get the investment we need for vital projects such as this which are incredibly important for our communities I will be recommending to cabinet in July that we approve the first part of the funding needed and we’re already working to secure the remaining investment through our City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Together we will safeguard the future of the Shields Ferry.” said: “This is brilliant news for the residents businesses and communities along the banks of the River Tyne and I welcome the security it will provide this vital service “We have bold plans for North Shields and our historic fish quay delivering this connectivity by securing the ferry service will help to boost those plans and attract visitors “The ferry landing is a rich part of our history and has been a heartbeat of our communities for years it will be part of a bright future as part of our ambitions for the Borough “Delivering these plans and supporting the ferry service is an early indication of the positive impact the new North East Combined Authority will have on our region.” said: “We welcome the new Mayor’s support for this exciting project which will secure the long-term future of the Shields Ferry “Creating a new north landing for the Shields Ferry is of vital importance for this iconic local transport link “There is strong and widespread support for a new ferry landing within the region and we’re excited to work with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to be able to take this major project forward This will ensure a really bright future for the Shields Ferry and once funding is confirmed we hope to start design work on the new north landing next year “We considered several options for the North Shields ferry landing before finalising this proposal It makes good sense to relocate the landing into the heart of the North Shields Fish Quay regeneration area with its close proximity to the town centre and the Riverside Walkway In this location we can continue to serve commuters while growing a new leisure and family market linked to local attractions and restaurants.” Local artists are being given the chance to showcase their work for free at a Pop Up Gallery in North Shields The exhibition by City Park Studio is being held over two weekends in September and October 2024 and features 15 artists at different stages of their careers The Pop Up Gallery is backed by the North Shields Cultural Quarter Projects and Events Fund. North Shields Cultural Quarter is part of North Tyneside Council’s ambitious plans for North Shields, enhancing and growing the creative economy. It is supported by the North East Combined Authority The Females and Teens exhibitions took place on Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September with the Newbies exhibition still to come on Saturday 5 October from 6pm to 9pm The artists work in a wide range of disciplines including portraiture The gallery is being hosted at 103 Howard Street in the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter Each artist gets the chance to present new art, sell pieces, network and meet like-minded individuals. ​There is no fee for the artists to show their work and entry is free for the public with light refreshments and entertainment laid on The artist behind Pop Up Gallery, City Park Studio’s Sophia Ramsey, is one of three sisters all blazing a trail in the arts and cultural scene in North Tyneside, with Megan Ramsey a celebrated North Shields photographer, and Jennifer Nicol the founder and director of inclusive theatre company Ramsey’s Theatre Stars which is lending its premises for the event Sophia Ramsey said: “I feel passionately about the creative power and potential of artists in this area right now I wanted to do something to shine a light on that The Pop Up Gallery is all about bringing artists and the community together to network and appreciate local talent young and female artists a chance to experience what it’s like to have their own exhibition get some recognition and sell some of their work “The Pop Up Gallery is being held in an intimate setting in North Shields Cultural Quarter drinks and live music from local musicians supportive and fun exhibition experience for these amazing artists “This funding from North Shields Cultural Quarter is giving people a platform and the confidence to take their work to the next level It’s an opportunity these artists might not otherwise have had.” Artist Rachael Brien is exhibiting in the Female category She said: “I'll be exhibiting a set of paintings I have made that detail architectural features of two buildings and a bridge that I see on my daily route from school drop-offs to my studio an extract of the tiled exterior of King Street Social and the tiled entrance of One Three One Studios I have made them as part of my Artist Residency in Motherhood (ARIM) a fantastic concept conceived by Lenka Clayton for mother/parent artists to explore “It is fantastic to be able to show work where you live instead of having to travel There are a lot of artists living at the coast and in North Shields and initiatives like the Pop Up Gallery are bringing artists together on a much more local level.” Artist Raymond Usher is exhibiting in the Newbies category He said: “I’m showing my loose ink and watercolour artwork mostly of places and buildings around North Shields and the North East It’s great to have a local venue to display artwork especially with nearly all my art being of local places “Most of my art inspiration comes from nostalgia and walking around Shields and I think that might be why the people of Shields are so supportive The Pop Up Gallery means that a few people who might not have seen my art can find it and maybe even find a piece that feels special to them “I only really started painting with watercolours in the last three years and even during this short time it feels like there’s more and more happening in Shields to support local artists and creative folks It’s only going to get better the more of these kinds of events we have.” Economic Development and Culture said: “We are so lucky in North Shields and North Tyneside to have a massive range and breadth of local artistic talent North Shields Cultural Quarter has come at the right time to support a surge of creative energy that’s helping boost the town’s economy “To see 15 artists coming forward to exhibit at this Pop Up Gallery just goes to show how exciting a place North Shields is right now for artists and creative businesses.” A full list of the artists taking part in the Pop Up Gallery is as follows with Jennifer Nicol and Lucinda Willis as featured artists North Tyneside Ukelele Festival is being staged in North Shields for the first time The three-day event is hosted at the Exchange 1856 in the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter on 8 and 9 November, with the final day at The Globe music venue in Newcastle on 10 November. Tickets are still available The festival is organised by Cullercoats-based Bay Uke which has more than 80 members and has been running for a decade Established in 2018, this is the fifth time the festival has been held and the move to North Shields was made possible with a grant from North Shields Cultural Quarter Projects and Events Fund Organiser Sarah Timney said: “The ukulele community is big in the UK Our festival is for anyone who likes ukulele - an instrument that brings a lot of smiles to a lot of faces “This is our first time in North Shields and our first time at the Exchange The Festival in 2023 at Cullercoats Crescent Club was really good but it was as far as we could go without funding  This year we are at a whole different level “The funding from North Shields Cultural Quarter has made all the difference at so many levels: the venue “This year it has everything you would expect to find at a much bigger festival We have more than 150 people coming on the Friday and Saturday and they will all have a different pathway through the festival Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “The ukelele festival is a fantastic North Tyneside community event that brings people a lot of enjoyment “It is great to see it being staged at the newly-refurbished Exchange 1856 theatre with support from North Shields Cultural Quarter It will bring people from far and wide into the town centre supporting the local economy and helping to put North Shields on the map as a thriving arts and culture destination.” 15 January, 2025 By The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) has started ground investigations at a property in North Shields after a report of possible mining related damage to two homes The MRA received two subsidence claims from the affected residents in July 2024 after they noticed cracks in the walls of their homes A total of four core samples will be taken from nearby the properties at various depths of between 13-15m to determine if the cause of the damage is due to historical mining in the area “To accurately establish the cause of the damage it is necessary to conduct thorough ground investigations and these are only possible through these drilling works,” an MRA spokesperson said The authority has said that historical records have indicated that there was mining in the area but they cannot solely be used to determine liability the MRA has used a crane to deliver a drilling rig to the back garden of one of the properties to collect the samples The MRA has also installed monitoring equipment at the properties to provide reassurance to the residents “The residents affected are still in their homes as it safe for them to do so,” the MRA added If the incident is found to be mining-related the MRA will design a programme of works to remedy the situation The recently rebranded Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) – formerly the Coal Authority – manages the coal assets and legacy of historical mining in England It is responsible for public safety and subsidence and informing safe development and growth across Great Britain In an interview with GE in December last year its CEO Lisa Pinney said that 24/7 incident response to public safety and mining related subsidence issues continued to be one of the “core reasons” for the MRA’s existence Since it became a category two responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 when it was amended in 2023 the MRA has been under new obligations to cooperate and share information with other responders Its core emergency response team deals with an average of 1,000 reports each year Pinney also revealed that over the last 10 years the authority has seen an increase in slightly larger incidents which could be due to more frequent extreme weather events due to climate change Want to read more? Subscribe to GE’s enewsletters and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Tagged with: Ground investigations have started near Tayinloan and Gigha on the west coast of Scotland as part of a major Transport Scotland project to upgrade ferry fleets Ground investigations will soon begin for a proposed new deep water quay in Orkney following the award of contract for the initial study and development of the project to an Acciona and Jones Bros joint venture The completion date for the East Renfrewshire Council’s Aurs Road improvement project has been pushed back further due to complex ground conditions Ground investigations are continuing to determine the cause of a large void in Godstone after surveys detected subsurface “anomalies” near the hole that could be “a series of tunnels” Sign in or Register a new account to join the discussion. Business news, Project news, Industry news and Top Stories a retired merchant navy seafarer from nearby Cullercoats when visiting Specsavers North Shields in February concerned with black and white blurring and shadows in his vision over the previous 24 hours The 68-year-old was diagnosed by optometrist Amy Gowling with a detached retina in his left eye after she examined the pensioner using an OCT scan during an emergency appointment A detached retina is a dangerous condition – which could lead to the loss of eyesight if left untreated Mick was seen quickly by surgeons at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle getting home by 10pm the same day following his appointment at Specsavers that morning Mick has been getting regular checks on his eye health and is progressing well in his recovery Of his experience with Specsavers North Shields ‘I’ve been going to the store for 23 years – it’s where I get my contact lenses and regular eye tests – and the service has always been excellent ‘I was keen to tell my story because these people deserve the recognition for the vital work they do every day ‘It was an unnerving experience but I knew that I needed expert help and the team at Specsavers were able to help me get back to health alongside the fantastic surgeons at the RVI ‘Within about an hour of entering the store I knew what was wrong and I was on my way to hospital.’ While Mick is no longer seeing black and white he is revelling in his team Newcastle United winning the Carabao Cup last weekend despite having to give up his ticket for the Wembley showdown against Liverpool but I had to turn it down because I’d just had the operation It’s just a shame Liverpool beat us that day I’ll definitely be getting a ticket next time!’ retail director at Specsavers North Shields ‘Mick’s case is one we see fairly often in the store and the OCT scan technology we have here is vital to detecting potential problem cases early ‘Huge credit to Amy for her quick-thinking and we are all so glad to see Mick is on the mend ‘We’ll continue to be there for him as he works his way through recovery We only wish he got to see the final in person!’ Specsavers North Shields’ optometrists are experts in looking after people’s vision and managing their eye health If you do notice something unusual with your eyes or vision you should make an appointment with your optometrist as soon as possible To book an appointment or speak to a member of the team at Specsavers North Shields store, visit or go to https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/northshields. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. has announced the sale of Ewan Bramley Dental Care in North Shields Built around You.Your expert business property advisers Pictured: Dr Jarlath McAteer (left) and Dr Jamie Dury (right) which offers affordable cosmetic and general dentistry occupies the beautiful Grade II listed Richard Irvin building on the North Shields Fish Quay and is fully equipped with the latest dental facilities and technology who successfully grew the practice over the last 16 years Following a confidential sales process with Jonathan Watson at Christie & Co it has been sold to two of the Associates at the practice who have rebranded the practice as Union Quay Dental “We are thrilled to have completed the purchase of the practice Our immediate focus is to refurbish the practice including adding two new surgeries and upgrading the equipment to provide the best care possible We're fortunate to be situated in the heart of North Shields Fish Quay an area undergoing an exciting transformation and we’re proud to continue serving the wonderful community of North Shields.” “This transaction saw a real team effort from buyer seller and their advisers to push a challenging deal over the line It was great to see the business acquired by two independent dentists who already know the practice and patients well I am keen to see the direction Jarlath and Jamie take Union Quay at a time when demand for private dentistry is as high as it’s ever been.” The practice was sold for an undisclosed price Visit Christie & Co’s Business Search page to find out more about current medical listings. Keep up-to-date with our latest listings and more… © Christie & Co 2024 | A member of Christie Group The vibrant community of North Shields is coming together to host a year of celebrations for the town’s 800th anniversary in 2025 North Shields 800 will bring everyone together to enjoy a calendar of exciting events exhibitions and performances that celebrates North Shields past heritage projects and creative collaborations North Shields 800 will bring performing arts to the streets In 2025 it will be 800 years since a small village made up of simple huts called shiels was founded on the north bank of the Tyne Created in around 1225 as a small fishing port to serve Tynemouth Priory it grew into the thriving harbour of North Shields the town expanded to the bank above the riverside Today North Shields and its surrounding neighbourhoods have a population of approximately 35,000 The North Shields 800 Committee has been meeting since mid-2023 vibrant membership made up of representatives from heritage groups North Shields 800 will inspire pride in the town help people of all ages to explore its heritage and bring together the different communities that call North Shields home It will raise the profile of the town across the region and beyond bring a sustained boost to local businesses and increase visitor numbers It comes as a series of ambitious regeneration projects in North Shields are nearing completion including: the Riverside Embankment Walkway linking to the town centre to the Fish Quay; the restoration of Northumberland Square conservation area the Exchange Theatre and Howard Street; the creation of a new Transport Hub and Thomas Brown Town Square; a series of public art installations across the town; and improvements to the main shopping area Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee and Tynemouth Labour MP Sir Alan Campbell said: “This is a great opportunity for the whole community of North Shields to come together and celebrate "It’s been great to see so many ideas and offers of help and hard work from organisations “We’re now at a stage where ideas are turning into plans and it’s shaping up to be a diverse and exciting calendar of events that reflects the pride people feel in the town We’re all set to celebrate this 800th anniversary in a fun “The events are bound to attract lots of visitors to North Shields craic and hospitality that make this a really special and unique place.” Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “North Shields 800 is a real community effort It’s been shaped and directed by the people of the North Shields and the fantastic charities organisations and groups that make the town such a vibrant and friendly place to live “This is a chance to celebrate our historic and bustling Fish Quay with its unique mix of hospitality and working fishing boats It’s a chance to show off the newly regenerated areas as part of our Ambition for North Shields including Northumberland Square Visitors can come and go via our new Transport Hub as they enjoy the events We will look back proudly on the past 800 years and no doubt learn a lot of fascinating facts about our heritage recording people’s memories of the town as we go “We can also look forward to a new chapter for North Shields with a fast-growing creative economy supported by North Shields Cultural Quarter ”We’re sure these events will be something people from across the borough and the wider region will enjoy and we look forward to welcoming them to North Shields for the celebrations.” During her visit, the Elected Mayor met with Chair of the North Tyneside Business Forum Michael James and owner of The Exchange 1856 who shared his passion for the venue and its transformation into a thriving cultural and community hub Paul Stonebanks OBE spoke about his vision for The Exchange 1856: “I knew this building had incredible potential I believed it could become something truly special I’ve personally overseen the project management for the past two years and now The Exchange 1856 is not only a stunning space but also a successful and sustainable business.” The Exchange 1856 has rapidly grown into a sought-after venue for cultural events with bookings increasing from 60 per quarter in the first half of 2024 to 60 per month “It’s been about more than just restoring a building,” Stonebanks added “It’s about bringing people together and making a real impact on the local community and we’re proud to see The Exchange become a central part of North Shields’ regeneration.” The Exchange 1856 is at the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter and is part of North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for North Shields which aims to create a more vibrant town centre and a stronger evening and weekend economy Mayor Redfearn praised the venue’s transformation “The Exchange 1856 is a shining example of how investment and community engagement can create something truly remarkable It’s fantastic to see how it has evolved into a vibrant and welcoming space for all.” With a strong team of around 40 staff members and creative opportunities for the local community The venue’s success is a testament to the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit that have driven its transformation Chair of the North Tyneside Business Forum ”The Exchange 1856 is a worthy winner of the accolade I was very impressed by the team’s vision and the transformation of the building into a thriving cultural and business venture.” The North Tyneside Business Forum is run by a management group made up of members from various industry sectors in the Borough and gives support in the form of networking events and signposting for growth and development Membership is free and open to any business of any size with a trading address within North Tyneside The Forum is FREE to join and is for any business with a trading address in North Tyneside E: business.forum@northtyneside.gov.uk  www.northtynesidebusinessforum.org.uk and website in this browser for the next time I comment Festival goers can look forward to an electrifying party night on Friday featuring headline performances from DJ Laidback Luke and rising rap star Window Kid the stage will be graced by the incredible Liam Fender and the legendary Glasvegas while Sunday will see the celebrated Lindisfarne Story Band take the spotlight featuring local music icons Ray Laidlaw and Billy Mitchell and their 5 piece band the festival’s legend slots will welcome Nigel Clark from Dodgy on Saturday While Friday is all about high-energy partying, Saturday and Sunday are packed with family-friendly activities take part in a budding DJ competition and perform on a special stage dedicated to young talent The Sunday for Sammy Trust will also be hosting their popular stage showcasing emerging young artists and celebrating the next generation of musical talent while the legendary Tyneidols double decker will host a multitude of gigs by busking musicians In total around 150 performers will play to the North Shields crowd.   Coast Festival is proud to support Quinn’s Retreat a charity dedicated to providing respite for those affected by suicide helping families find peace and support during difficult times Having previously won Best New Festival in the UK Coast Festival were also nominated for three prestigious awards in 2024 all performances will take place undercover in large stage tents allowing festival-goers to enjoy every moment Festival Organiser John Milton Peacock shared his excitement: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring Coast Festival back for its third year and we’ve got something for everyone—great music Tickets for Coast Festival 2025 are expected to sell quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unmissable event in North Shields this June. https://www.skiddle.com/festivals/coast-fest/