The grand finale of the North Shields 800 anniversary year lit up the town, as a spectacular illuminated parade brought thousands of people together to celebrate 800 years of history, heritage and community spirit.

A historic oil painting by North Shields artist John Davison Liddell has been carefully restored and unveiled as part of the North Shields 800 anniversary celebrations.

Made in Meadow Well was the result of several months of dedicated work led by The Meadows, Phoenix Detached Youth Project and Cedarwood.

The event brought together a true cross section of the community to celebrate everything that makes Meadow Well, Chirton and Percy Main special.

Celebrating Community and Faith through Knitting!

Over the past year, the churches in North Shields have engaged in a heartfelt and creative initiative to celebrate the 800th anniversary milestone.

A stunning textile map of North Shields – a legacy of the town’s 800th anniversary year - created by around 60 local people will be on display from Tuesday 9 December in the café at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre.

The grand finale of the North Shields 800 anniversary year will take place on Friday 12 December, with a spectacular illuminated parade bringing light, music and carnival energy to the town.

All of October’s North Shields 800 Facts of the Day in one place.

A striking new sculpture honouring Mary Ann Macham, an escaped enslaved woman who made a new life in North Shields, has been installed overlooking the Fish Quay in the historic heart of the town.

The Fish Quay was alive with energy as a sell-out audience gathered for Se Gæst | The Guest - a powerful and emotive production by acclaimed North East choreographer Anthony Lo-Giudice currently on tour throughout the North of England.

The event raised an incredible £1,036.45 for the North East England Fishermen’s Mission, a charity supporting fishing families and coastal communities across the UK.

Two new exhibitions at the Beacon Centre are set to showcase the stories, memories and spirit of North Shields as part of the town’s 800th anniversary celebrations.

A striking new sculpture honouring Mary Ann Macham, an escaped enslaved woman who made a new life in North Shields, is being installed overlooking the Fish Quay in the historic heart of the town.

The artwork will be officially unveiled on Thursday 20 November at 1pm by the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Karen Clark.

The new bench at the entrance to Northumberland Park on Tynemouth Road is more than just a seat — it’s a celebration of North Shields 800 in tribute to Hilton Valentine, legendary guitarist of The Animals and proud son of North Shields.

The documentary, fronted by Liam Fender and created by Northeast Fuse and XL Creative Media, explores North Shields' cultural and musical heartbeat.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the North East Combined Authority.

North Tyneside Council has commissioned Helix Arts to create a vibrant, free resource for schools, designed to inspire creativity and reflection as part of the North Shields 800 anniversary.

A free Pop-Up Cinema will take place at The Beacon Shopping Centre from 23–25 October, open daily from 11am to 4pm. The event showcases a series of short films that reflect the town’s rich heritage, creativity and community spirit.

Watch the latest teaser from the 800 Years: Here We Are team ahead of the screening on 23 October. This is sold out and for ticketholders only.

A unique evening of film, photography, live music and storytelling will bring the rich heritage and hidden histories of North Shields Fish Quay to life on Friday 24 October, from 6.30pm at Salt Market Social.

Want to find out more about the artists behind the stunning Elevation North Shields 800 murals around North Shields?

We’re proud to share this collection of videos from Sira Studio in association with Elevation and I Love North Shields.

The incredible murals that have transformed North Shields into an open air art gallery. Images by Wayne Bordoli photography.

Local community groups are invited to join free creative sessions to produce artwork and performance elements for the December procession, the grand finale of our anniversary year.