South Shields stepping out on parade for summer of fun

The borough will be all at sea when the annual Summer Parade swings into action with a Maritime Mayhem theme next month.

Preparations for the extravaganza are gathering pace - with organisers hosting an all-dancing dress rehearsal at Hedworthfield Community Association, Cornhill, Jarrow.

The event will celebrate South Tyneside’s rich maritime history of seafaring and shipbuilding as well as the sights of the sea, with pirates, Poseidon, giant octopuses and sea serpents just some of the colourful characters taking to the streets of South Shields on the day.

It also marks 150 years of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade.

The Summer Parade will take place on Saturday 2 July, leaving South Shields Town hall at 1pm, travelling along Fowler Street and Ocean Road to Bents Park, where the entertainment will continue until 4pm, with live music and family friendly activities in Bents Park.

The fun-packed parade is a major part of The South Tyneside Festival, which will so see four open-air music concerts take centre stage at Bents Park for four consecutive Sundays from July 10 to 31.

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “Preparations are well underway to bring Maritime Mayhem to the streets of South Shields.

“We have a long and proud tradition of seafaring, shipbuilding and lifesaving in South Tyneside and look forward to celebrating the strengths of our coastal community with a nautical themed parade. It is also fitting that in this milestone year we commemorate the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade whose members saved countless lives at sea.

“We are very excited about the event. The parade itself is much loved by residents and visitors alike and as a traditional part of the festival, brings vibrancy to our rich and proud heritage. It promises to be a real spectacle of colour and sound drawing crowds along to our stunning seafront.”