North Shields 800 Celebration Parade: Grand Finale of Anniversary Year
Image: The Creative Seed.
Friday 12 December
Parade 6pm – 7.30pm
Pop up performances 5.30pm – 8pm
Starts at Northumberland Square – Finishes at Western Quay
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.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, North East Combined Authority and North Tyneside Council, the free event will showcase the creativity of local groups and artists, with no booking required.
The evening begins at Northumberland Square, where Spark! LED drummers will lead the procession through Howard Street and along the Riverside Embankment Walkway. Along the route, illuminated mobile sound systems will
create a carnival atmosphere, while a mobile disco near Salt Market Social offers a place to celebrate for those who prefer to stay in one spot.
Community groups have been working with parade organisers The Creative Seed CIC to design costumes, movement and music. Their creations will join giant reflective silver fish sculptures made with local people by artist Frederick Worrell, shimmering in the lights as they move through the crowd. At the same time, landmark buildings will be transformed by projection artist Jay Halim, whose installation will turn the Registry Office and Ice Factory tower into glowing canvases filled with stories and memories of the town.
Spark! LED drummers, image Pedro Mendes
The procession will finish at Western Quay, where live music will keep the celebrations going into the evening.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Karen Clark, said: “This has been a wonderful year for North Shields, coinciding with the town’s regeneration and giving our community so many opportunities to come together. We’ve seen stunning murals brighten our streets and many volunteers, artists, and community groups have given their time and energy to organise projects and events. The finale parade will be a fitting celebration of everything that has been achieved in 2025. I want to thank everyone who has played a part in North Shields 800, this is a proud moment for the town.”
Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee, Sir Alan Campbell MP, added: “This is a spectacular end to a year of hard work, dedication and community spirit involving thousands of people in North Shields. It will be an evening to remember for many years to come.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to have supported the North Shields 800 programme. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players even more stories are now known and can be celebrated alongside 800 years of heritage! This parade is an incredibly fitting way to commemorate all the hard work that has taken place to share the wonderful history of North Shields over the last year.”