Programme unveiled for North Shields 800
Tony Henderson previews some of the events which will mark North Shields 800.
A 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, chairman of the Elevation trustees.
“We have identified eight key buildings with prominent elevations, such as gable end walls. 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.
Other 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.
Deeds, 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. Led by Workie Ticket Theatre, it celebrates local stories, explores contemporary issues and fosters community pride.
A project by the Stephenson Steam Railway, Middle Engine Lane, North Shields. will capture key elements of the railway history of North Shields and explore why it has made such a significant impact to social, economic and industrial history.
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. “