YOUR CART
- No products in the cart.
Subtotal:
£0.00
BEST SELLING PRODUCTS
The man behind the master musicians: Ernie Scott
From surviving a wartime bombing as a baby to welcoming world-class musicians into North Shields pubs and churches, Ernie Scott’s story is one of quiet resilience and extraordinary dedication. Honoured by the Queen and cherished by his community, his lifelong commitment to classical music has brought the world to Tyneside — and left an indelible mark on the town he calls home.
I Love Opera Chorus North Shields!
At first glance, the idea sounds unlikely: opera in North Shields. A form often seen as distant or elite suddenly finding a home by the Tyne. But look closer and the picture shifts. What’s happening here is something bold and refreshing – a community coming together to create opera that belongs to them. From first-time singers standing shoulder to shoulder with professionals, to a gala performance bursting with local pride, this project proves that opera doesn’t need marble halls or velvet seats. In North Shields, it thrives on shared voices, shared stories, and a powerful sense of place.
Pete Bell: A glass three halves full kind of guy
From windmilling arms in a Salt Market Social crowd to songs that spark joy in the face of dementia, the Whodlums were more than a tribute band — they were a lifeline. At their centre is Pete Bell: North Shields born, mod-spirited, relentlessly passionate, and one of the North East’s busiest musicians. As his tribute days fade, Bell’s own music steps into the spotlight, carrying a lifetime of influence, obsession and love for the sound that shaped him.
Discover the hidden gems of North Tyneside Council’s very own 245-piece online art collection
Have you ever come across a piece of art that makes you stop in your tracks? That’s exactly what you’ll find when exploring the North Tyneside Council Art Collection online. Featuring 245 works, the collection spans Victorian and early 20th-century pieces, striking seascapes from the Cullercoats Artists Colony, and contemporary artworks from the last 40 years. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s artistic heritage and evolving creative identity.
“Leap headfirst into the unknown”: local author Daniel Tawse tells his own story
Growing up in North Shields gifted Daniel Tawse a deep-rooted sense of belonging—one that continues to shape his stories, characters and settings. From small northern towns to big-city awakenings, his novels draw on lived experience, community, and the magnetic pull of home. In this excerpt, he reflects on queerness, nostalgia and why returning to the North East has helped him find his most authentic voice as a writer.
Leslie Forman: Mental health, mosaics, and an olive branch
Men’s mental health is too often pushed aside — but North Shields creative Leslie Forman is helping to change that narrative. Through candid conversation, community support and the healing power of art, Lez has transformed personal loss and struggle into purpose. From founding men’s mental health groups to using mosaic-making as a form of therapy, his journey is one of resilience, honesty and a deep-rooted love for his hometown.
“North Shields is the new London”: Singer-songwriter Craig Redpath on where music has taken him
While many North East musicians head for London in search of success, Cramlington singer-songwriter Craig Redpath has chosen a different path — relocating to North Shields. Drawn by its close-knit and buzzing music scene, Craig is quickly establishing himself among the area’s standout artists, blending heartfelt storytelling with infectious melodies as he enters an exciting new chapter of his career.
The Engine Room: all hands on deck
Tucked away beneath a coffee shop on Tanners Bank is a small venue with a big heart — and an outsized impact on North Shields’ cultural life. The Engine Room isn’t just a bar or a place to catch a gig; it’s the result of one man’s lifelong devotion to live music, risk-taking, and community. From punk gigs in the late ’70s to promoting sold-out shows and finally opening his own venue against the odds, Mark Elliott’s story is woven into every note played there. This is the story of how passion, persistence and a love of loud guitars helped create one of the North East’s most cherished independent music spaces.
Old Low Light: Still shining a light on North Shields and its Fish Quay
The Old Low Light Heritage Centre stands proudly on North Shields Fish Quay as the town’s oldest surviving building, once a guiding light for ships navigating the Tyne. Today, after major restoration and decades of changing purpose, it continues to illuminate the area’s rich maritime heritage. Run by dedicated volunteers, the centre has become a vibrant community hub, offering exhibitions, events, walks, workshops, and stunning river views. Its story is one of resilience, renewal, and a deep commitment to preserving local history.
Local Hero: Tish Murtha
North Shields’ own Tish Murtha turned her camera on the world she knew best, capturing working-class life with unflinching honesty and heart. From the streets of Newcastle to iconic series like Elswick Kids, her photos reveal resilience, humour, and stories often overlooked. Discover why this local hero’s work continues to inspire, decades after she first picked up a camera.
