13TH JUNE 2026
Photo credit: Emma Solomon
What do a group of new playwrights, a busy bunch of school parents, ladies renowned for the excellence of their cakes, a ceilidh band, a dance teacher or five, the Dove Marine Lab, Ray Laidlaw (of Lindisfarne and Sunday for Sammy), sea shanty singers and some rather witty poets have in common?
You’ll find them all this June at the third Cullercoats Festival — and more.
Head down to the seafront and you’ll discover multiple venues bursting with song, dance, poetry, storytelling, children’s activities, yoga, sound baths and community spirit — all free for families to enjoy.
This year’s theme is “Communities Together”, welcoming everyone from Whitley Bay to Wallsend and from North Shields to Northumberland.
New for 2026
This year brings art, apps and actors into the mix.
Seven community groups are decorating the railings along the seafront with vibrant artwork led by the Bay Artists, while students from Tyne Metropolitan College have been developing a Festival app to help visitors explore the programme and join in the fun.
Festival-goers can also look forward to the brand new Cullercoats Play, written by local people and led by well-known playwright Peter Mortimer — with a few surprises promised along the way.
Follow the Festival on Facebook or visit:
MASKS
Masks have been used worldwide in celebrations and festivals throughout history. They can represent who you are, who you’d like to be, or something completely different — and they’re something everyone can enjoy together.
This year, the Festival is inviting the community to make masks of their own.
Pick up a mask pack
Available from:
- Whitley Bay Library
- North Shields Library
- Cullercoats Library
More ideas
For mask workshops, templates and inspiration, visit the Festival website and click on Masks.
Mask Trail
Running throughout Cullercoats and beyond from 24th May through Festival Day. Pick up or download a trail leaflet or use the Festival app for details.
Grand Mask Gathering
Festival Day — 13 June, 2pm
Join the gathering on the grass near the playground.
PROGRAMME
The weekend begins with the Friday night Cullercoats Ceilidh led by Miggins Fiddle at St George’s Church Hall.
On Festival Day itself, early risers can take part in free beach yoga at 8am with Shore Yoga, followed by a sea dip for those brave enough.
At 10.30am the Festival officially opens on the seafront with local treasure Ray Laidlaw, drummer, producer and member of the legendary folk-rock band Lindisfarne.
Ray said:
“I love living at the coast and I’m absolutely delighted to have been invited to open the Cullercoats Festival.”
After that, visitors can enjoy a packed programme including:
- Poetry with Dawn and Maureen
- Storytelling from Martin Manasse
- North Tyneside Steelband
- Spanish City Rollers
- Bay Uke
- Mouths of the Tyne Community Choir
- Mariners & Marras
- Watch House Shanty Crew
- The Creels
- Cullercoats Creatives Artisan Craft Market
- Burns School of Martial Arts
- Children’s Yoga
- Games Café
- Dove Marine Lab
- Kayak and SUP discounts from CBK
- Cullercoats Primary School Fayre
- And much more
Mini Dance Congress
The Festival’s Mini Dance Congress will feature pop-up demonstrations and interactive sessions along the seafront, alongside free tasters and classes at Cullercoats Methodist Church.
Thanks to support from the Sir James Knott Trust, the programme includes a wide range of local and international dance styles including:
- Ballroom
- Belly Dance
- Blues
- Breakdance
- Highland
- Irish Dance
- Kizomba
- Salsa
- Street Dance
- Tango
- And more
Photo credit: Emma Solomon
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Festival is currently looking for volunteers to help on the day.
To get involved contact:
cullerfest@gmail.com
See you in Cullercoats on 13th June.
Festival programmes will be available from the Cullercoats Crescent Club and various local venues.
Children enjoying the art in the Underpass — Rosie Wright’s winning photograph from the 2025 Photo Competition.
