North Shields’ creative scene came together in spectacular style for the I Love North Shields LIVE event — a full-day celebration that transformed the much-loved community magazine into a real-world experience.
Held at Salt Market Social, the event issued 1,500 tickets and welcomed an estimated 1,200 visitors throughout the day. The atmosphere was electric as locals packed into the Fish Quay venue to explore more than 50 stalls featuring artists, makers, community groups, and food vendors — alongside a live music line-up curated by John Peacock of Coastfest.
“We’ve spent nearly two years building this community through stories and social media — this event was about bringing it all to life,” said founder Simmie Harper. “People finally met in person, and the energy was unreal. It showed what happens when a town believes in itself.”
Music That Moved the Room
The evening’s live performances filled the Salt Market with local sound and soul. Under the direction of John Peacock, the stage ran from noon until late, featuring a mix of established names and rising North East talent.
Line-up:
🎧 Stuff Podcasts – @stuffpodcasts_studio
- 12:00–16:00: NecroNoise – @necronnoise
- 16:30–17:00: Helena & Dylan – @helenalilymusic45 & @dylanpmusic
- 17:10–17:40: OT Armstrong – @ollyveree
- 17:50–18:20: Hes Pattison – @hespattisonmusic
- 18:30–19:00: Sabrina Kennedy – @sabrinakennedymusic
- 19:10–19:40: Craig Redpath – @craigredpathmusic
- 19:50–20:20: Short Back & Shields Band – @shortbackandshieldsband
- 20:30–21:00: These Are Your Friends – @tayofficial
- 21:15–22:00: LEAZES – @leazes.official
Each performance built on the last, closing with a powerful hometown set from LEAZES that had the crowd on its feet.
“It was one of those nights where everyone knew they were part of something special,” said volunteer photographer Wayne Bordoli. “You could feel the pride bouncing off the walls.”
A Pop-Up Celebration of Local Creativity
Throughout the day, the Salt Market’s industrial space was transformed into a pop-up creative hub.
Visitors wandered between painters, printmakers, ceramicists, bakers, and community groups — all proudly based in or around North Shields.
Arts
Danny Henderson • Erin’s Hands • Hayley Henderson • Lynne Jones • Lyoness Press • Sira Studio • Sarah Cliff Ceramics • Zora Sailes
Body + Mind
Amanda Sly Holistic Bodywork • Faye the Natural Hygienist • Root Functional Hygiene
Community & Heritage
Crew Gal Alchemy • Dee Herms • Northumbria WWI Commemoration Project • Pinwheel Ltd • Remembering the Past Resourcing the Future
Jewellery, Music & Accessories
Hand of Wales UK • Kaleidoscope by Amy Lou • Tingmart • Tune Army Records North Shields • LostyRobots
Makers of Beauty
Remarkable Makeables • The Foxy Monk
Photography & Video
Blue Moon Editions • DMU Photos • North Shields Gallery • Rachael Riley • Wayne Bordoli
Food & Drink
Earth & Fire Bakery • Griddle Me • Rosewood & Lovaine • The Kitchen Witch • Sweet Patisserie
“The smell of baking bread, the sound of live music, people chatting with local artists — that’s what community feels like,” said Caroline Oswald, Deputy Editor-in-Chief at I Love North Shields.
Teamwork Behind the Scenes
The event’s layout and logistics were led by Maggie, who coordinated all 50 stallholders and helped shape the day’s flow.
The beautifully illustrated map guiding visitors through the venue was designed by Rosie Stronach, while Rachael Riley, Wayne Bordoli, and Breeya documented the event through photography and film.
Volunteers including Emily and the wider I Love North Shields team kept everything running smoothly, welcoming guests and managing crowd flow.
“We all got hands-on experience in event planning,” said Harper. “This was a real learning curve, but also a reminder that when you give people a chance to get involved, they rise to it.”
Supported by the Community
The event was made possible through a partnership with Salt Market Social, whose co-founder Barney has supported I Love North Shields since its early days.
Other key partners included Coastfest, North Shields
“Barney believed in us from day one,” said Simmie Harper. “This collaboration shows what can happen when venues open their doors to community-led projects.”
Grassroots Power in Action
What made the event truly special was its grassroots spirit. I Love North Shields LIVE wasn’t funded by big backers or corporate sponsors — it was powered by collaboration, goodwill, and people rolling up their sleeves to make something happen.
“Grassroots community doesn’t wait for permission,” Simmie Harper said. “We just get on with it — working together, sharing resources, and proving that creativity and connection can build something real.”
The success of I Love North Shields LIVE stands as proof that local pride, shared purpose, and teamwork can create something powerful — without needing to ask for approval first.
What’s Next
After the event’s success, I Love North Shields is already exploring more live gatherings, exhibitions, and creative collaborations to carry the spirit forward.
“This was the magazine come to life,” said Simmie Harper. “Now we know what’s possible when North Shields comes together — and create opportunities and hand on experience.”
Event Partners:
I Love North Shields × Salt Market Social
With support from Coastfest and the North Shields creative community.
📸 All photography © Rachael Riley Photography 2025
