A red hot spell of weather is with us but we wonder if it will match the legendary heatwave we all enjoyed 50 years ago.
The Summer of 1976 went on for ages and here’s a reminder of what happened in the South Tyneside area back then.
Our photographers went out and about to capture scenes such as a tennis tournament at Westoe, children on the rides at the South Shields amusement park, Morris dancers outside South Shields Town Hall, and a band giving a rooftop performance in the sun.
We had months of blazing sunshine back then but for now, let’s enjoy the sunny spell of 2026 with a look back at these Shields Gazette archive scenes.
We would love you to share your own memories of the summer of 1976 and you can do just that by emailing [email protected]
5. Wonderful in Westoe
Some of the contestants in the Westoe Tennis Club's junior tournament in July 1976. We would love to hear from anyone who took [art. | Local Library
6. On their way to Germany
Athletes from South Shields Harriers and Athletic Club and the Jarrow Athletic Club were pictured before leaving for Wuppertal, Germany in 1976. | Local Library
7. Pictured in Chichester
Take a look at some of the shops at Stanhope Parade in May 1976. Tell us if this brings back memories for you. | Local Library
8. Relaxing after duties
Three trainee nurses at South Shields General Hospital were enjoying the May sunshine in 1976. Pictured left to right: Ruth Willis, 19; Jacqueline Hutchinson, 20; Elizabeth Charlton, 20. | Johnston Press