PRESS RELEASE
24 May 2026
A grassroots magazine that started with a simple idea – telling the stories of North Shields and its people – is celebrating its second anniversary after two remarkable years of growth, creativity and community impact.
Founded in 2024, I Love North Shields (ILNS) has evolved from a passion project into one of the town’s most recognisable community platforms, producing 16 print magazines, publishing hundreds of original stories online, delivering community events and championing local people, businesses, artists and volunteers.
At a time when local journalism faces significant challenges and many community voices struggle to find a platform, ILNS has built an engaged audience by focusing on what its founders call “everyday culture” – the people, places, heritage, creativity and stories that make North Shields unique.
Operating as a Community Interest Company, the volunteer-led organisation has become known for its distinctive approach to hyperlocal storytelling, celebrating the town’s past, present and future through original journalism, photography and creative projects.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief Simmie Harper said:
“When we launched I Love North Shields, we simply wanted to create something positive that reflected the town we know and love. Two years later, we’re incredibly proud of what the community has helped us achieve.
“While many traditional media organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to engage audiences, we’re seeing growing demand for local storytelling, community-led journalism and platforms that help people feel more connected to where they live.
“People want stories that matter to them. They want to celebrate local successes, discover hidden histories, support independent businesses and feel part of something bigger. That’s what I Love North Shields is all about.”
Over the past two years, ILNS has expanded far beyond publishing.
Projects have included community photo walks, heritage initiatives, creative workshops, environmental campaigns, cultural events and the launch of the hugely successful I Love North Shields Vintage Market, which attracted more than 1,000 advance bookings and brought together dozens of independent traders, artists and makers at Salt Market Social on the Fish Quay.
The organisation’s distinctive merchandise, including its popular ILNS tote bags and clothing range, has also become a symbol of local pride. Through the ongoing Tote Bag on Tour campaign, the North Shields brand has travelled across the globe, appearing in photographs from Australia, Africa, Canada, Europe and the United States.
The project has attracted support from local residents, businesses, creatives and even internationally recognised cultural figures, helping raise the profile of North Shields far beyond the North East.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief Caroline Oswald said:
“Storytelling sits at the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re interviewing local residents, documenting community projects, exploring heritage, showcasing artists or celebrating independent businesses, our aim is always the same – to tell meaningful stories that might otherwise go unheard.
“We’re constantly discovering new people, projects and ideas that deserve a platform. There is so much creativity, talent and community spirit in North Shields, and we feel privileged to help share those stories.”
The anniversary comes during an important period for North Shields as the town continues to strengthen its cultural identity and build momentum around future ambitions, including the bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Looking ahead, ILNS plans to expand its community programmes with new podcast projects, heritage initiatives, youth-led publishing opportunities and further creative collaborations designed to engage residents of all ages.
Simmie Harper added:
“This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to create a platform that genuinely belongs to the community and gives people opportunities to share their stories, ideas and creativity.
“North Shields is a remarkable place with an incredible history and an exciting future. We want to continue celebrating the people who make this town special and help ensure their stories are seen, heard and remembered.”
FURTHER INFORMATION
Simmie Harper
Editor-in-Chief
07510 623034
simmie@ilovenorthshields.com
Caroline Oswald
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
07411 774175
editor@ilovenorthshields.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
- I Love North Shields is a volunteer-led Community Interest Company (CIC).
- Founded in 2024, the organisation publishes a quarterly print magazine alongside a digital platform dedicated to North Shields news, culture, heritage and community life.
- To date, ILNS has produced 16 print editions and delivered numerous community projects and events.
- A media pack, photographs and additional video content are available on request.
Website: www.ilovenorthshields.com
