A spectacular North Shields 800 celebration will see the River Tyne at the Fish Quay filled with a parade of boats.
The free event on the afternoon of Friday 20 June is being organised by North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project (NSFHP), with sponsorship from DFDS and support from North Tyneside Council. It includes a blessing of the fleet by the Fishermen’s Mission.
The Svitzer tug will shoot its firefighting water jets high into the air above the river, alongside vessels from the North Shields fishing fleet, pleasure craft from Royal Quays Marina, and boats from Port of Tyne, Northumbria Fishing Heritage, North East Maritime Trust, and Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority.
A procession of 300 school children will walk along the Fish Quay from the Fisherman sculpture at Fiddlers Green to the Herring Girl on Western Quay. They will be led by three bagpipers and a vintage quayside truck - a popper. When they reach Western Quay, the children will sing local songs and the blessing of the fleet will take place.
The parade of boats is expected to last around 30 minutes from 1pm onward, followed by a live music stage.