Public given the chance to choose a logo for North Shields 800 celebrations

The people of North Shields are being asked to choose a logo design for the North Shields 800 celebrations in 2025.

Three options have been created that celebrate the town's past, present and future including its proud maritime heritage and its growing reputation as a vibrant arts and culture destination. 

People can go online to vote using Our North Tyneside Voice digital engagement website, or they can pop into North Shields Library and cast a vote in person before Friday 20 September.

North Shields 800 is a community effort, with the people of the town working together to host a year of celebrations for its 800th anniversary.

The winning logo will feature on the new North Shields 800 website, social media accounts, event posters, marketing materials, and be made available to funders and supporters so they can proudly display their support.

One of the designs was put forward as a voluntary contribution by local designer Kimberley Creative. The other two designs were created by the graphic design team at North Tyneside Council.

North Shields was founded in 1225 as a village of simple huts called shiels on what is now the Fish Quay. The fishing port served Tynemouth Priory and later grew into a thriving harbour and town.

North Shields 800 will feature a calendar of exciting events throughout 2025. These include a spectacular parade of sail and a blessing of the fishing fleet, a parade along the Fish Quay, exhibitions, street art murals, heritage projects and performing arts.

It is being organised by the community-led North Shields 800 Committee which has been meeting since mid-2023, chaired by Tynemouth MP Sir Alan Campbell. Its members include heritage groups, the fishing industry, the arts and cultural sector, charities, churches, community groups, local venues and businesses.

Anyone interested in organising an event as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations can contact funding.matters@northtyneside.gov.uk for an application form, with a deadline of Friday 20 September for completed applications.

The celebrations coincide with an ambitious regeneration programme for North Shields and the Fish Quay which is almost complete. At the same time, North Shields Cultural Quarter is helping the creative economy grow to regenerate the town centre, with support from North East Combined Authority.

Chair of the North Shields 800 Committee Sir Alan Campbell MP said: "The North Shields 800 celebrations are being driven by a fantastic community effort, so it is fitting that the logo should be chosen by the people of North Shields.

"Asking the public to choose is a great way of getting more people involved and interested in the celebrations, ahead of what is set to be an exciting year of events in 2025.

"We want North Shields 800 to bring together the different groups and communities that call North Shields home, attract visitors and raise the profile of the town. We already have a broad membership on the committee who are working hard to make North Shields 800 a success. We want as many people from the town on board as possible."

Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Dame Norma Redfearn DBE said: "North Shields 800 is all about inspiring pride in the town and bringing in visitors to discover its rich history and vibrant hospitality.

"It's being led by the community, and for this reason the public are being asked to help choose a logo. Our ambitious regeneration of North Shields town centre continues, with improvements to Bedford Street about to begin.

"North Shields 800 celebrates the town's past, present and future, and it will be wonderful to see the community come together for so many different events and activities in 2025."