Visitors will be hooked when they see South Tyneside’s Maritime Mayhem Summer Parade.
The iconic sights and sounds of the sea will form one of the central themes of this year’s Summer Parade – a key highlight of the free three-month South Tyneside Festival.
The streets of South Shields will come alive with the wonders from under the sea. Poseidon, giant octopuses and sea serpents together with all the fun of the seaside will adorn spectacular floats with nautical colours and decorations alongside marching bands, stilt walkers, puppets, dance troupes and a Yellow Submarine!
The parade, which takes to the streets on Saturday 2 July, will also mark 150 years of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade as well as celebrate the Borough’s rich maritime history including its links to seafaring and shipbuilding.
Local award-winning seafood business, Colmans Fish and Chips, is supporting this year’s Summer Parade, which is a key highlight of the free three-month South Tyneside Festival.
Richard Ord, Owner of Colmans, said: “We are proud to be supporting the Summer Parade as part of South Tyneside Festival. As long term supporters, the summer programme brings thousands of visitors to South Shields, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
“With an exciting nautical theme this year’s parade promises to be a sensational celebration of the Borough and its maritime history. As part of this coastal community we can’t wait to see the explosion of vibrant music, entertainment and colour on the streets of South Shields.”
The Summer Parade, which is also being delivered thanks to support Arts Council England, Port of Tyne and South Tyneside College.
More than 2000 representatives from local community groups are expected to take part in the parade which takes place in South Shields on Saturday 2 July, navigating its way from Town Hall along Fowler Street and Ocean Road to the seafront, where the entertainment will continue with live music and maritime themed family friendly activities in Bents Park.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “With just over a month to go we are getting very excited to see the Maritime Mayhem Summer Parade sail through the streets of South Shields.
“We are thrilled that Colmans is supporting this year’s event which promises to be a spectacular showcase of the Borough’s nautical heritage and iconic coastal delights with a dazzling array of shimmering costumes and incredible performances.
“The parade itself is much loved tradition by residents and visitors alike and will be a vibrant celebration for crowds to enjoy along the parade route.”
South Tyneside Council is working with artistic director Garner Harris from Creative Seed to deliver the parade, which forms part of a wider programme of free live music, entertainment and activities making up the South Tyneside Festival 2016.
Other highlights of the FREE three-month event, organised by South Tyneside Council, include live music in the Amphitheatre, open air Sunday concerts featuring major artists and family friendly events, entertainment and activities.
This includes a packed programme of brass band music by the seaside, a classical concert with Proms in the Park, family fun days and children’s entertainment with the return of the Kids Fun Fest.