Projects & Initiatives

Listening to North Shields: what conversation in our community is telling us

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Listening to North Shields: what conversation in our community is telling us North Shields launches its Town of Culture 2028 bid and we joined the conversation to find out what people in our town want from it.

In North Shields, a conversation is unfolding about culture, community and the town’s future. As ideas gather around our Town of Culture bid, local voices speak with honesty — calling for transparency, youth investment, living heritage and people-first regeneration. From fishing roots to grassroots music, parks to libraries, residents share hopes and cautions alike. This article brings those voices together, revealing a town determined to shape its own story.

Aaron Duff of Hector Gannet on home, heritage and North Shields

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Aaron Duff portrait photography by Megan Ramsey

Exclusive interview | Aaron Duff of Hector Gannet on North Shields 800, his grandad’s fishing past, local music roots & why Shields will always be home.

I Love North Shields Vintage Market | Handpicked. Reimagined.

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I Love North Shields Vintage Market Handpicked. Reimagined.

This spring, I Love North Shields launches a celebration of everyday heritage, local stories and creative reuse. Handpicked vintage, antiques and objects with a past sit alongside music, making and style that shaped ordinary life. Slow down, browse with curiosity, and rediscover things made to last: workwear, vinyl, books, ceramics and one-off finds chosen for their character and story. A relaxed, nostalgic day rooted in the past, reimagined for now, with music, making, and local creativity throughout.

Project Nile Street – Brightening up our streets

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Painting the walls on Nile Street

Nile Street is ready for a revival—and Project Nile Street is leading the charge. Born from a personal passion and a deep-rooted connection to the area, this grassroots initiative is set on restoring the street’s character, charm, and community spirit. With proud shopfronts, colourful doorways, and a renewed sense of pride, Nile Street is poised to become a beacon of local resilience and creativity. But this transformation can’t happen alone—it needs you.

Interview exclusive: Simon Donald – him off the Viz

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Simon Donald in the Viz office, 188

Dive into our exclusive interview with Simon Donald, the irreverent force behind Viz and infamous characters like Sid the Sexist. From launching a 12-page cult comic in a Newcastle bedroom to selling a million copies an issue, Simon reflects on family, fame and life beyond Viz. With tales of rock stars, stand-up and North Shields roots, this is the story of the man far beyond ‘Him off the Viz.’

The Chase – Nina Valkhoff’s wall mural for Elevation

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The Chase, Nina Valkhoff’s wall mural for Elevation Mural Festival, North Shields

Discover Nina Valkhoff’s mural, The Chase, located on Norfolk Street. Created for the Elevation Mural Festival, it captures an underwater chase between two gannets and a cormorant, reflecting the dynamic marine life where the River Tyne meets the North Sea. Part of our complete guide to the Elevation Wall Murals. Meet the artists and explore the stories behind this creative town-wide project.

North Shields – an overview of 800 years

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North Shields began life around 1225 on the banks of the Tyne, sparked by the ambitions of the Prior of Tynemouth. Its early growth clashed with Newcastle’s trade monopoly, leading to centuries of fierce rivalry, riots, and recovery. From booming medieval trade and fishing fleets to decline, reform, and resurgence, the town’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Today, 800 years on, the quay is thriving once again. Discover the full story in Mike's book, The Pow Burn NS800 edition.

Small Town. Big Ambition. North Shields pushes forward with Town of Culture 2028 bid

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Small Town. Big Ambition. North Shields pushes forward with Town of Culture 2028 bid

North Shields is stepping confidently into the next stage of its bid for UK Town of Culture 2028, with North Tyneside Council rallying residents, businesses and creatives behind a bold, community-driven vision. Rooted in maritime heritage, working-class pride and riverside ambition, the town’s plans span floating stages, street art, youth initiatives and international partnerships. With public backing now central to its Expression of Interest, momentum is building our proud coastal community.

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.

Historic England Funds Community Heritage Projects

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Globe Gallery - Artist Kitty McKay posing next to one of her Plasticine paintings on display at Globe Gallery, North Shields, North Tyneside. Photo credit: Colin Davison, Rosella Studios

Globe Gallery - Artist Kitty McKay posing next to one of her Plasticine paintings on display at Globe Gallery, North Shields, North Tyneside. Photo credit: Colin Davison, Rosella Studios

MUST READ

The Fishnet Tavern: The Beating Heart of Fish Quay’s Community Spirit

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Discover why the Fishnet Tavern has become one of North Shields’ most beloved community pubs. From weekly quiz nights and open-mic sessions to Try Tag Newcastle, drag nights, live music and local sponsorships — here’s how Chris and Calum built a true community hub on the Fish Quay.
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