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.

Starting at Northumberland Square, the evening featured performances from local choirs before Spark! LED drummers led the procession through Howard Street and down to the Riverside Embankment Walkway. Along the route, illuminated mobile sound systems and a created a carnival atmosphere, while giant reflective silver fish sculptures made with local people by artist Frederick Worrell shimmered in the lights. Landmark buildings were transformed by projection artist Jay Halim, turning the Registry Office and Ice Factory tower into glowing canvases filled with stories and memories of the town. A family-friendly mobile disco got the party going outside Salt Market Social.

The many local groups, performers and organisations involved included: Spanish City Rollers, Sam Idus, Belladonna, Short Back and Shields, Mouths of the Tyne Community Choir, North Tyneside Youth Dance, The Studio (Tynemouth), Groove with Melanie, Norham High School, Dance with Jo, Falling on Your Feet (Helix Arts), Ramsey’s Theatre Stars, Bee Enchanted CIC, New York Primary School Choir, Christ Church Primary School, 7th Tynemouth Scouts, East End Youth Club, Phoenix Detached Youth Project, The Meadows (adult and youth groups), PROPS North East, African Group Culture and Diversity North East.

The parade finished at Western Quay, where live music kept the celebrations going late into the evening. More than 400 participants took part, including community groups, schools, Scouts, youth organisations and local artists, alongside hundreds more spectators who lined the streets.

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 was 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 was 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 was 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."

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