Work has begun on an Expression of Interest to put North Shields in the running for UK Town of Culture 2028, hot on the heels of the North Shields 800 anniversary celebrations.

North Shields is a small town with a big personality that has punched above its weight ever since its founding in the 13th Century. It has a history rich in maritime, fishing, mining, railway and industrial success, achievements that have often put it on the national and world stage. Today it is a vibrant destination for arts and culture, attracting artists and creative people from across the country and beyond.

The competition, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, invites towns across the country to celebrate their identity, heritage and creativity through a year‑long cultural programme. Shortlisted towns will receive funding to develop their plans, with the winning town awarded £3 million to deliver its programme in 2028.

North Shields will put forward a strong and distinctive case, co-ordinated by North Tyneside Council. It will build on the success of North Shields 800, an anniversary programme that brought together thousands of people across dozens of creative projects throughout 2025, with heritage activities and community events, exhibitions and murals, performances, parades and storytelling.

The grand finale of North Shields 800 was an illuminated parade in December 2025, showcasing the community spirit that defined the whole year. People lined the streets, celebrating their town’s history, identity and future. It followed the Parade of Boats in June 2025, a spectacular highlight event on the Fish Quay and the River Tyne.

North Shields 800 strengthened relationships between community groups, heritage organisations, artists and creative businesses, connections that will stand North Shields in a strong position for a Town of Culture bid. Many of these partnerships are already active through the North Shields Cultural Quarter, which has been mapping local artists and creatives, growing networks, offering mentoring and skills training, and supporting cultural collaboration.

Recent successes and developments in North Shields demonstrate its growing creative energy, including Elevation’s North Shields Mural Festival, The Exchange Theatre refurbishment, return home of Globe Gallery, King Street Social Club drawing top international music acts, the Mouth of the Tyne Festival, the buzzing creative spaces at One Three One and Harbour House, and the work of Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation Helix Arts and international creative agency Pinwheel. All this is backed by the North Tyneside Cultural Partnership as a connector and catalyst for the borough’s creative community and economy.

Spark! LED drummers at the Celebration Parade

Together, these organisations and networks form a strong cultural ecosystem that is an excellent fit for the aims of the Town of Culture programme.

Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture and Economic Development, said: “Now we’ve had the full guidance for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, we can move forward with real momentum in preparing an expression of interest for North Shields.

“The programme is a real opportunity to use arts, culture and heritage to support regeneration and strengthen local pride. We know how much potential there is here with our rich cultural and heritage offer, active community organisations, and the strong identity and distinctive character of North Shields.

“The town has a compelling story to tell. North Shields Cultural Quarter, North Shields 800, and the partnerships already in place give us a strong foundation.

“Over the coming weeks we’ll be working with local groups, cultural organisations, businesses and residents to shape the expression of interest and make sure it reflects the town’s story and ambitions. Community involvement will be central to this.

“We’ll take the time to get this right, but we’re committed to putting North Shields in the strongest possible position as we move into the next stage of the process.”

The Expression of Interest will focus on the three areas set out in the national guidance: Your Story, Culture for Everyone, and Making it Happen. North Tyneside Council will now begin conversations with local partners, artists, heritage groups, businesses and residents to shape the bid. The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is 31 March 2026.

North Shields to join the running for UK Town of Culture 2028 after a landmark year of community celebration

North Shields 800 end of year celebration video