Arts & Culture

Discover North Shields’ creative side — from music, art, and photography to festivals, fashion, and performance. The Arts & Culture section of I Love North Shields celebrates the stories, people, and spaces shaping our town’s cultural heartbeat.

EXHIBITION: NO TIME FOR WASTE

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No Time for Waste, which will run from 3-18 April, aims to raise awareness about  the harmful effects of plastic pollution on sea life, the environment generally and the benefits of recycling.

Masterpiece on the Tyne: Newcastle Welcomes Virtuoso Van Gogh   

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Image credit: PAQUIN Entertainment

A breathtaking immersive art experience which brings the work of Vincent van Gogh to life in mesmerising and moving fashion is heading to the North East this summer. 

Did You Know? North Shields Is One of the UK’s Biggest Langoustine Ports

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Did you know North Shields is one of the UK’s largest langoustine ports? Discover how the Fish Quay connects the North Sea catch to kitchens across Europe.

Sam Fender makes surprise appearance as Pirates raise funds for MND in North Shields

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The Pirates reunite for a Team Janine charity fundraiser at King Street Social Club - with a surprise appearance from Sam Fender (image credit: ILNS)

A sold-out reunion by The Pirates at King Street Social became a powerful tribute to Janine Turnbull, raising vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease research. Led by her husband John, Team Janine has already raised £45,000 in her memory — and the night carried that mission forward. With emotional performances, community solidarity and a surprise appearance from Sam Fender, the event proved this was more than a gig — it was a declaration of lasting love and defiant hope.

Sam Fender’s Official Number 1 and the North Shields walk that shaped him

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Sam Fender and the musical score to Hypersonic Missiles outside North East Snooker Centre on Queen Alexandra Road (image credit: ILNS)

Sam Fender has landed another Official Number 1, putting North Shields back in the national spotlight. Explore the hometown landmarks, lyrics and local venues that shaped his rise from Tyneside teen to chart-topping artist.

Sunday for Sammy Turns 25: A Legendary North East Celebration Takes Over the Utilita Arena

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Last week, Carol and Caroline were granted a sneak peak behind the scenes at rehearsals for the legendary North East production, Sunday for Sammy, which were held at the Exchange in North Shields, as they have been for the past 15 years. Even then we could feel the magic in the air but we couldn’t have imagined how fantastic the full live show would be on Sunday, as a plethora of performers graced the stage for the charity’s 25th anniversary concert at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. 

Appeal launched to save North Shields 800 artwork panels

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Conrad Milne with his art panels, North Shields: 800 Years in the Making

Seven striking public art panels created for North Shields’ 800th anniversary are now seeking a permanent home. North Shields: 800 Years in the Making, the large-scale works by local artist Conrad Milne reimagine the town’s story through layered imagery, poetry and archive. Previously displayed at North Shields Central Library, organisers are calling on venues to keep this landmark cultural commission visible for generations to come — preserving a powerful visual celebration of the town’s heritage.

Lindisfarne return to The Exchange — and the North Shields story behind the band

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Lindisfarne band perform at The Exchange (Image credit: ILNS)

North East favourites Lindisfarne returned to North Shields last weekend, bringing their story full circle. From local blues outfits to chart success, founder Rod Clements began his journey in the town that shaped the band’s sound. With classics like Meet Me on the Corner and enduring anthem Fog on the Tyne, their music still resonates today — even inspiring artists such as Sam Fender. Decades on, the roots remain unmistakably North Shields.

The Iron Man: literary legend Peter Mortimer 

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Peter Mortimer in his Cullercoats Garden (Image credit: Sue Wilkinson)

Step inside the Cullercoats home of poet, playwright and Iron Press founder Peter Mortimer and you enter a world of myth, manuscripts and fearless imagination. In this candid interview, he reflects on five decades of radical writing, from “Broke Through Britain” to time spent in Shatila refugee camp, and his deep ties to North Shields. Thoughtful, witty and still chasing new challenges, Mortimer proves creativity has no finishing line.

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