The North Shields 800 celebrations are launching in style with free events at the Exchange 1856 theatre.
On the evenings of Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1, North Shields band Hector Gannet is playing free ticketed concerts at the venue, with more than 800 people expected to attend. The tickets sold out in a matter of minutes, and a second night was added due to high demand.
On the afternoon of Friday 31 January, an invited audience will pack out The Exchange as North Shields 800 organisers share the exciting highlights in store for 2025.
Hosted by TV’s Rachel Sweeney, the launch features a live performance by musician Liam Fender, children from New York Primary School singing ‘Spirit of the North’, and words from Sir Alan Campbell MP and Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE.
Throughout 2025, the people of the town are celebrating North Shields past, present and future with a vibrant calendar of projects and events for the town’s 800th anniversary. A dedicated website www.northshields800.com and social media channels are keeping everyone up to date. Follow @northshields800 for more, including a Fact of the Day created by a team of local historians.
North Shields 800 will include a spectacular parade of boats and a blessing of the fishing fleet, a parade along the Fish Quay, exhibitions, street art murals, heritage projects, community events, concerts and performances.
Musician Liam Fender is performing at the launch event and is leading the music film documentary North Shields: 800 Years of Harmony.
Liam said: “North Shields is a place with amazing creative energy and there are so many musicians and artists working and collaborating here.
“I’ve lived in this town all my life and have always felt the strength of the musical heritage, with strong links to Lindisfarne, the Pet Shop Boys and the Animals to name but a few. Helping to launch the North Shields 800 celebrations is a real honour, there is so much buzz and excitement around it.
“It’s about celebrating where North Shields is now, and everything that has brought us to this point. It’s going to be a brilliant year for the town.”
Aaron Duff of Hector Gannet said: “We’re extremely proud to be helping to commemorate 800 years of our home town, its heritage, culture and community in which Hector Gannet is deeply rooted.
“We’re really looking forward to helping kick off the celebrations this weekend with two free ticketed concerts at The Exchange.”
Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee Sir Alan Campbell MP said: “I’m looking forward to this year to showcase what a fantastic place North Shields is. We’re proud of our past, proud of our present, and looking forward to an even better future.”
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: “North Shields is a very special place with an incredible heritage. It has a lot to shout about in its 800th year, with the regeneration of the town, all the investment that’s gone into North Shields in recent years, the new housing, and the growing creative economy in North Shields Cultural Quarter.
“It’s great to see the North Shields 800 celebrations starting in such style in the fantastic Exchange Theatre.”
More information: www.northshields800.com
About North Shields 800:
The people of North Shields are working as a team to host a year of celebrations for the town’s 800th anniversary.
North Shields 800 will bring everyone together to enjoy a calendar of exciting events that celebrates North Shields past, present and future.
A programme of events has been selected to appeal to a wide range of audiences and to celebrate North Shields’ maritime, mining, railway and industrial heritage as well as its reputation as a vibrant destination for arts and culture and a thriving location for business.
It will include a spectacular parade of boats and a blessing of the fishing fleet, a parade along the Fish Quay, exhibitions, street art murals, heritage projects, community events and performances.
