Last night, The Exchange 1856 played host to something special — a night that will be remembered as one of the defining moments in the North Shields 800 celebrations.
“800 Years – Here We Are” premiered to a sold-out crowd, marking a milestone for the town’s growing creative scene. Fronted and narrated by Liam Fender, the music documentary dives deep into Shields’ cultural DNA — tracing how sound, soul and storytelling have shaped a community from shipyards to stages.
From sweeping coastal shots to intimate pub corners, the film captures a town that’s always had rhythm in its bones. It’s raw, it’s proud, and it feels unmistakably Shields.
After the screening, Fender and his band took to the stage for a live performance that turned the night from film premiere to full-blown celebration. His new single, “Here We Are,” made its live debut — a song written for the project that felt like it belonged exactly there, echoing through the old theatre walls.
The crowd’s response said it all — part gig, part homecoming, part communal roar. This wasn’t just an event; it was a declaration of where North Shields stands right now: creative, confident, and connected to its roots.
Produced and directed by Northeast Fuse and XL Creative Media, and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the North East Combined Authority, the film sits at the heart of the North Shields 800 programme — an ambitious year-long celebration of the town’s heritage and future.
The Exchange 1856, recently reborn as a major cultural venue, provided the perfect backdrop — a restored Victorian landmark with a new heartbeat for live performance, film, and art. The night showcased exactly what the venue and the town have been building toward: a thriving creative hub where music, heritage, and community come together.
“You could feel it — every song, every image, every face was a love letter to home.”
“That wasn’t a premiere — it was history with a soundtrack.”
Eight centuries on from a cluster of fishing “shiels” on the banks of the Tyne, North Shields has once again proved what it does best — turning hard graft and deep roots into something inspiring, defiant and full of life.
This is more than a film. It’s a statement. Shields isn’t just celebrating 800 years — it’s tuning up for what comes next.
📍 800 Years – Here We Are
🎤 Fronted by Liam Fender
🎬 Produced by Northeast Fuse & XL Creative Media
💰 Supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund & North East Combined Authority
📅 Premiered Thursday 23 October 2025, The Exchange 1856
