More than 2,000 from people community groups and local schools will take to the streets of South Shields on Saturday (2 July) to celebrate South Tyneside’s rich maritime history of seafaring and shipbuilding, the sights of the seaside as well as mark 150 years of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade.
Pirates, Poseidon, giant octopuses and sea serpents are just some of the colourful characters which will feature in the Summer Parade alongside spectacular floats adorned with nautical colours and decorations, marching bands, stilt walkers, puppets, dance troupes and a yellow submarine.
Youngsters at Hedworthfield Primary School in Jarrow will join other schools and community groups from across South Tyneside in the parade, wearing a host of maritime themed costumes and props that have been created in special workshops over the past few months.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The Summer Parade is a key highlight of the South Tyneside Festival and we are delighted that so many people from across the Borough are taking part.
“The anticipation is building for this spectacular showcase of South Tyneside’s maritime heritage and iconic coastal delights with a dazzling array of shimmering costumes and incredible performances.
“To really experience the best of the parade and its atmosphere we would encourage people to line the route.”
The Summer Parade will set sail from South Shields Town Hall at 1pm and travel along Fowler Street and Ocean Road and Sea Road before finishing at Bents Park, where the entertainment will continue until 4pm, with live music, dance performances and family friendly activities in Bents Park.
South Tyneside Council has worked 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.
Garner Harris, on behalf of The Creative Seed team, said: “There has been a huge amount of effort and hard work from all those involved, including community groups and schools across the Borough, to make this year’s Summer Parade extra special.
“Let’s hope for sunshine this weekend so that people can get into the carnival spirit and see this glorious glittering spectacle at its best.”
The Summer Parade is organised by South Tyneside Council and is supported by Arts Council England, Port of Tyne, Colmans Fish and Chips and South Tyneside College. It forms part of the annual South Tyneside Festival, which began in June with its exciting FREE three month line up of live music in the Amphitheatre, open air Sunday concerts and family friendly events, entertainment and activities.
The festival also includes a packed programme of brass band music by the seaside, a classical concert with Proms in the Park and children’s entertainment with the return of the Kids Fun-fest.
For more information about the Summer Parade and full listings for South Tyneside Festival 2016 go to www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk, call the South Tyneside Visitor Information Centre on (0191) 424 7788 and follow South Tyneside Events on Facebook or follow STynesideEvents on Twitter.