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

North Tyneside Council has thanked supporters as North Shields moves into the next phase of its bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.

Following a recent stakeholder event, the Town of Culture team confirmed that work is now underway on the town’s official Expression of Interest to Government.

Organisers described North Shields as “a small town with big ambitions”, acknowledging that visible community backing will be key to strengthening the submission.

Supporters who attended the event have received a summary of the ideas generated during table discussions — a document that outlines the collective themes shaping the bid’s direction.

Public Support Campaign Launched

To help build momentum, a dedicated webpage has been launched where residents, businesses and organisations can download campaign materials.

Assets include:

• Social media profile badges
• Header graphics
• Ready-made social posts
• Downloadable graphics for internal screens in public buildings

Supporters are being encouraged to share content using the hashtag #northshieldstownofculture to demonstrate unified backing across digital platforms.

The official campaign page can be accessed at: www.northtyneside.gov.uk/northshieldstownofculture

Correspondence can be directed to: northshieldstownofculture@northtyneside.gov.uk

Updates will also be shared via the North Shields Cultural Quarter social media channels.

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The Themes Shaping the Bid

The stakeholder feedback highlights an ambitious and wide-ranging cultural programme rooted in North Shields’s identity, geography and future potential.

Heritage, Identity and Sense of Place

The bid places strong emphasis on North Shields’ maritime and industrial past — from its status as the UK’s largest prawn port to its mining, railway and shipbuilding heritage.

Working-class identity, multicultural roots and community resilience are central to the narrative. Pioneering women such as Norah Balls, Mary Ann Macham and the herring lasses were highlighted, alongside nonconformist religious traditions and enduring local pride.

River, Sea and Landscape

River Tyne and the North Sea feature prominently in the town’s cultural vision.

Proposals include river-based events, floating stages and large-scale projections onto water. The town’s position as a gateway to Europe — through ferry operator DFDS — is seen as an opportunity for international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The town’s distinctive split-level geography is also identified as a unique staging ground for creative interventions.

Creativity, Culture and the Arts

Expansion of mural culture, street art and sculpture trails forms part of the creative ambition, alongside fringe-style festivals incorporating comedy, street theatre and live performance.

There are proposals for youth-led arts initiatives, international artist residencies and creative incubator spaces. Existing venues — including pubs, social clubs, car parks, shopping centres and the Fish Quay — are identified as potential cultural stages.

Community, Inclusion and Social Impact

The bid stresses inclusive participation across all communities, including Meadow Well and Percy Main.

Plans reference intergenerational programming, SEND and disability inclusion, age-friendly approaches and initiatives aimed at reducing isolation through cultural engagement.

Ambition and Destination Development

North Shields is positioning itself as a future cultural destination, with proposals including improved visitor infrastructure, artist workspaces and long-term legacy planning.

Stronger ferry-to-town connections and the repurposing of under-used buildings are also identified as opportunities.

Youth, Talent and Future Vision

Working alongside partners such as North Tyneside Music Hub, the bid aims to retain young talent and create pathways into creative careers.

Entrepreneurship, mentorship and skills development are seen as key pillars of a long-term cultural economy.

Food, Hospitality and Independent Economy

Food heritage plays a significant role, from prawns and fish and chips to independent restaurants and markets that reflect the town’s working-port identity.

Events and Public Realm Activation

Proposals include expanding the Mouth of the Tyne Festival, evolving the Fish Quay Festival, introducing large-scale parades, activating empty shops with pop-ups and creating river-based spectacles.

A continuous events calendar and digital trail apps are also under consideration.

Digital Innovation and Long-Term Strategy

Digital storytelling, interactive installations and projection-based artwork are highlighted as tools for engaging younger audiences.

The strategy also outlines long-term investment planning, sustainability measures, improved lighting and town arrival experiences, and exploration of a potential town-wide cultural pass.

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The Road Ahead

The Expression of Interest marks the first formal stage of the national process. While competition is expected to be strong, organisers believe North Shields’s distinctive identity, maritime setting and community-led ambition give the bid a compelling foundation.

The Town of Culture team has confirmed that further updates will follow in the coming months, alongside additional opportunities for residents and organisations to contribute.

For now, the message is clear: North Shields is building momentum — and the town is being asked to stand behind it.

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Want to learn more about North Shields’s Town of Culture 2028 bid? Read the stories below: