Celebrating 800 years of heritage in North Shields

People gather to form the shape of the number 800 on a hill overlooking the mouth of the River Tyne, with the town of North Shields in the background.
Celebrating 800 years of heritage in North Shields Credit: North Tyneside Council.

National Lottery Heritage Grants £10,000 to £250,000

Date awarded
Location
Riverside
Local Authority
North Tyneside
Applicant
Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust
Award Given
£132160
Our funding will support 10 exciting projects as part of the wider North Shields 800 programme, conserving and sharing the town’s past, present and future.

From its humble beginnings as a small fishing port serving Tynemouth Priory, 2025 marks a major anniversary for the thriving harbour town. North Shields 800 is a varied programme of activities, events, exhibitions and performances, bringing together 50 local organisations to curate a year-long celebration.

Led by the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, the programme will inspire younger generations, capture traditional songs and stories, document the lives of local people over the past 800 years and highlight some of the town’s most historic buildings.

Our grant will support projects that preserve the history of North Shields for future generations at a time when traditional industries and pastimes are at risk of dying out.

Activities made possible thanks to our funding include:

  • The Old Low Light – changing exhibitions telling the story of North Shields fishermen and famous women
  • Deeds, Words, Danger – a theatrical performance celebrating the life of the suffragette Norah Balls
  • 800 Years of Harmony – a documentary showcasing the town's famous musicians including Sam and Liam Fender and Neil Tennant
  • Threads of Time – a humorous VIZ publication and exhibition led by Globe Gallery to reach non-traditional heritage audiences

Simeon Ripley, Chief Executive of the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, says: “These projects will provide local people of all ages with the opportunity to learn about different aspects of their town’s fascinating history. They will undoubtedly add to the range and quality of the wider programme of celebrations on offer across North Shields during this very important year.”

Discover more heritage projects that we’re supporting across the north of England.

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