North Shields, UK — Saturday 18 October 2025.
What a day, North Shields! A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for I Love North Shields Photo Walk Two — what an incredible turnout and what a community we’ve built together.
This was our biggest walk yet, bringing together around 70 photographers, artists and locals for a day that celebrated connection, creativity and pride of place.
From Salt Market Social to the Streets
We set off from Salt Market Social, wandered along the Fish Quay, and made our way through town following the Elevation Mural Trail — capturing everything from large-scale wall art to small details and hidden corners that tell the story of North Shields. 🎨
The walk was hosted by the I Love North Shields Photowalk Collective — Rachel Riley (@rachel_riley_photography), David Hall (@nostalgia_kid) and Gary Ormston (@gpo_visuals) — three talented local photographers who’ve helped turn our grassroots idea into a creative movement.
Participants snapped murals, street art, harbour views, architecture and candid moments of local life — creating a living visual record of the town’s transformation.
“It Really Was Incredible to See Such a Big Turnout”
After the event, co-host Rachel Riley shared her thanks:
“Thank you so much to everyone that joined us yesterday on our second @ilovenorthshields photo walk in collaboration with @elevation_walls — there were so many of you! It really was incredible to see such a big turn out, to see friendly faces and meet lots of new creatives.
Please submit your photos by posting using the hashtag #ILNSPhotowalkTwo (not in stories, as they disappear) or DM me your chosen images. I’ve seen some incredible shots already and can’t wait to see what else was captured.
We’ll keep everyone updated with exhibition details — and yes, we’ve already been asked when the next walk is! That’s something we’ll start organising soon, so watch this space.
Big thank-you to my lovely pals @gpo_visuals and @nostalgia_kid — two of the most talented photographers in the NE — and to @simmieharper for trusting us to bring this idea to life.
And thank you to @theloadingbaynorthshields for hosting us at the start, @arborseven for being our halfway point, and @theexchange.1856 for our final stop. All three are incredible local venues we’re proud to support.”
Community, Creativity & Connection
The walk wasn’t just about photography — it was about people.
As I Love North Shields Deputy Editor Caroline Oswald shared:
“Experienced photographers compared styles, shared tips and expressed how much they enjoyed the company in what is usually such a solitary pursuit.
Others explained how photography had helped their mental health and provided focus after diagnoses of neurodiverse conditions.
Connections were made between people from different regions — even different countries — all brought together by a shared interest.”
The day highlighted how creativity brings people together, builds confidence, and strengthens community bonds.
Local venues also felt the positive ripple effect, with increased footfall at the Fish Quay’s independent cafés and pubs throughout the morning.
Next Stop: Pop-Up Gallery & Winter Magazine
The I Love North Shields team is now working on plans for the second Pop-Up Gallery, where a curated selection of images from #ILNSPhotowalkTwo will be showcased.
A front-cover image for the Winter 2025 issue of I Love North Shields Magazine will also be chosen from submitted photographs.
“Each photo tells a piece of the North Shields story,” said founder Simmie Harper. “It’s not just a walk — it’s a visual celebration of our town through the eyes of the people who love it.”
Participants can submit their work by tagging #ILNSPhotowalkTwo or messaging the collective directly.
Gratitude & Collaboration
Special thank-yous go to:
- @ad.paintingz for speaking about their mural work and sharing insight into the creative process.
- @heritagefunduk and @northshields800 for funding and supporting our community-led creative projects.
- @elevation_walls for bringing such inspiring public art to our streets.
Get Involved
📸 Post your images with #ILNSPhotowalkTwo
💌 DM your chosen shots to @rachel_riley_photography or @ilovenorthshields
🏙 Watch ilovenorthshields.com for exhibition updates
🖼 Interested in hosting our next gallery? Email hello@ilovenorthshields.com
Photo Credits
Photography © I Love North Shields Collective — including Rachel Riley, Gary Ormston, David Hall, and participants of #ILNSPhotowalkTwo.
