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The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out. Request your own free 33 page copy of the guide below.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside…

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

Family Fun

Visitors of all ages will find plenty to spark their imagination at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery. Housed in South Shields’ former Literary, Mechanical and Scientific Institution, this museum has been preserving South Tyneside’s social, industrial and maritime history since 1860. It’s home to an impressive collection of exhibits from the Bronze Age to the 20th century which capture the social history of the area from shipping and mining to sea rescue (the lifeboat was invented in South Shields in 1789).

“Our main exhibition for summer 2017 is Little Landmarks, which is South Shields’ buildings recreated in Lego,” Geoff explains. “We’ve commissioned 10 local landmarks that we’ll have on display and we’re inviting people to go and see the actual buildings as well. Then later in the year we’re getting Bones from the Great North Museum.”

Throughout the school holidays South Shields Museum run Tremendous Tuesdays, where children can take part in crafts and activities inspired by the exhibitions, and fans of all things creepy and crawly will be delighted to find that the museum has its very own Creature Corner where you can see live snakes, spiders and lizards too.

The Museum is also home to a state of the art gallery space which was opened last year, and shows work by important local artists alongside masterpieces borrowed from national galleries through the Spotlight Loan Programme. In the past year they’ve shown a Renoir alongside local coastal scenes, as well as a Turner painting of the River Tyne.

“We’ve got a Lowry exhibition on at the moment,” Geoff says. “Lowry spent a lot of time in South Shields, particularly in the last 15 years of his life. He liked watching the ships coming in and out of the River Tyne. He would sketch them and then work them up into full-scale drawings back in the studio.” The exhibition runs until 9 September 2017.

Be sure to round off your visit with a trip to The Victorian Pantry, the museum’s vintage-inspired, on-site cafe where you’ll find a range of homemade treats served by staff in traditional costume.

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Published on 15th June 2017 14:20.

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Great North Museum Hancock, NE33, Ocean Road, South Shields, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Leaflets & Guidebooks, Places to Visit

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South Tyneside Guide – Arbeia Roman Fort

The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out. Request your own free 33 page copy of the guide when you book online on our website.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside…

Arbeia Roman Fort Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

History In The Making

Did you know that the Roman Emperor Severus once stayed at Arbeia Roman Fort? South Tyneside has a rich and captivating cultural history, and its museums are paving the way with their engaging exhibits and technological innovations.

From Roman military defence to coal mining and ship building, South Tyneside has been at the heart of a number of key moments of social and industrial expansion, and this fascinating history is celebrated in two of the area’s museums and historic sites – Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum and South Shields Museum & Art Gallery. Watch a gladiator fight, pay a visit to a Roman barracks and then immerse yourself in works by some of the finest 20th century painters – all right here in South Tyneside.

The Final Frontier

Dating back to 160 AD, Arbeia Roman Fort is one of the most important heritage sites in the UK. The former garrison once provided military supplies to troops stationed along Hadrian’s Wall and was an important coastal defence. So much so that Emperor Severus stationed himself there during his Scottish campaigns in the 3rd century – “and wherever the Emperor was is considered to be the centre of the Roman Empire,” Geoff Woodward, the Museum Manager, adds. It is now an immersive attraction where visitors of all ages can learn more about this crucial period of history and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from South Shields seafront.

The star attraction of the museum is the archaeological remains uncovered from on-site excavations. “It’s one of the best collections from Roman Britain,” Geoff says. Among the artefacts are a complete ringmail suit which was left behind during a fire at the barracks, jet jewellery and the tombstone of a southern slave named Reginia. “Her husband came from Barates in Syria so the gravestone has script in Latin and Arabic,” Geoff explains. “Arbeia was a cosmopolitan place.”

In 2017 you can see these local finds displayed at Arbeia alongside international treasures in the exciting Hadrian’s Cavalry exhibition, an in-depth look at the life of the Roman cavalry which is being held in venues across the full 150-mile stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. “We’ve got two star loans,” Geoff explains, “a cavalry helmet and a cavalry sword that have come from Germany and Austria dating from 150AD.”

A trip to Arbeia Roman Fort is a fully immersive experience. You can explore the fort to discover where the various artefacts were unearthed and it’s one of the few places in the country where you can see full-size reconstructions of Roman buildings. Climb to the ramparts at the top of the reconstructed West Gate, and see for yourself how different life was for a soldier in barracks and a commanding officer in their more luxurious homes.

Thanks to new funding, the museum has recently introduced a Roman trail app (for iPhone and android) which leads visitors to Arbeia through South Shields town centre, marking historical milestones along the route. “It goes through North Marine Park so that you get that view over the river mouth and you can really understand the strategic location of Arbeia,” Geoff explains.

So grab your helmet and prepare to be transported back to Roman times. It seems that after almost 2,000 years, Arbeia Roman Fort is still paving the way.

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Published on 15th June 2017 14:10.

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Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum, Hadrian's Wall, NE33, South Shields, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

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Cinema, Leaflets & Guidebooks, Live Music, Places to Visit, Theatre

South Tyneside Guide – The Customs House

Home > Tyne & Wear > South Shields > South Shields > Mill Dam > The Customs House

The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out. Request your own free 33 page copy of the guide when you book online on our website.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside…

The Customs House Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

Accustomed To Excellence

The Customs House is the jewel in South Tyneside’s cultural crown: an award-winning hotbed of original writing, home to the South Tyneside Comedy Festival and an unrivalled pantomime.

Jason Cook can remember the first time he set foot in The Customs House, South Shields’ cultural hub. “It was the panto,” he recalls. “The Customs House panto is a tradition harder-forged than Christmas Day itself – you can quote me on that.” The pantomime kindled an admiration of the venue that remains today.

Seating 441 people in its main theatre, 140 in a studio/cinema, and with a gallery, multiple bars, an in-house restaurant, a private dining room and a suite for events, the venue holds a special place in the heart of many in the region.

Open 363 days of the year, The Customs House first opened in November 1994, giving culture in South Tyneside a shot in the arm. Ending a long spell without a theatre or cinema in the area, the Grade II listed building — formerly a customs post, built in the 1860’s to support the commercial shipping industry in the area — has become a jewel in the crown of South Tyneside. “Not only did it provide a new cultural home, it also presented a piece of South Shields heritage which was falling into decline” explains Ray Spencer, The Customs House’s Executive Director.

Among its finest offerings is their pantomime. The Christmastime extravaganza for 2017 will celebrate 150 years of The Lambton Worm folk song, telling the tale of the legend around John Lambton’s battle to vanquish the enormous worm that was terrorising the local villages. Running from 28th November – 6th January and with a cast including Ray, David John Hopper and Cal Halbert, it promises to be hilarious and original.

It’s not just in the grand old tradition of pantomime where The Customs House excels, though. The venue is also a hotbed for new, undiscovered theatre, promoting the most exciting new writers. For example, from 22nd – 26th August End of the Pier, the tale of a couple who perform in music hall theatres, takes over The Customs House.

The theatre also plays host to bigger, bolder performances, be they touring or local productions, including midsummer productions of Cinderella (20th – 22nd July), Beauty & The Beast (26th – 27th July) and The Nutcracker (7th November).

The Customs House stage is a unique place, and it’s well-suited to comedy. “It’s an incredible stage for comedy, the perfect room,” says Jason. “When people laugh, it sounds deafening; it’s bigger than you’re expecting.” As well as Jason’s monthly Comedy Club, featuring acts handpicked from the best up-and-coming acts across the UK. Jason’s bringing the South Tyneside Comedy Festival back to The Customs House for a second year.

The venue is a hotbed for new, undiscovered theatre

“I’ve done 63 comedy festivals across the world, and have taken all the best bits from what 1 think are the best festivals,” he explains. Among the names already announced for the festival, which runs from 1st July – 6th August, are Rory Bremner, Chris Ramsey and Sarah Millican. “I hate comedy festivals when it’s just a boring list of people you’ve never heard of,” says Jason. Few shows cost more than £10, to ensure as broad an audience as possible can enjoy the world-class comedians descending on South Tyneside.

Sitting comedy alongside top theatre, music and cinema is all part of The Customs House’s charm. It’s also why the venue has remained so treasured by both locals and visitors to South Tyneside: a place open throughout the year, offering a variety of events, exhibitions and performances that can make you laugh, make you cry — and make some memories along the way.

Here is a short South Tyneside tourism video to watch while you wait for your booking confirmation email to arrive…

Published on 15th June 2017 14:00.

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Mill Dam, NE33, South Shields, The Customs House

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South Tyneside Guide – South Tyneside Festival

The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out. Request your own free 33 page copy of the guide when you book online on our website.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside…

South Tyneside Festival Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

You’ll have a blast, thanks to the galaxy of stars performing at the South Tyneside Festival

Get ready… a series of stellar Sunday Concerts from a galaxy of stars will take over Bents Park on South Shields seafront during summer 2017, as part of the South Tyneside Festival.

The festival has become well-known for transforming some of South Tyneside’s most treasured public spaces into fantastic outdoor gig spaces for some of the world’s best-loved performers, and this year is no different. As well as the stunning Summer Parade, family fun days and plenty else, the open-air concerts at Bents Park promise a fun — and free — way to spend those lazy, hazy summer afternoons.

Bents Park will come to life as some of the world’s most dynamic and famous musicians descend on South Tyneside, making memories that won’t easily be forgotten.

KT Tunstall first burst onto the music scene in 2004, making her name for her energetic live performances, and will be opening the Sunday Concert series this year on 9th July. “I love performing live and I really enjoy playing open air concerts, so it’s something I am really looking forward to,” she says.

Early-2000’s pop group Busted have reformed. They’ll be performing all their classics – plus songs from their new album – at Bents Park on 16th July. “We can’t wait to come to South Shields this summer to headline this exciting event,” they say. “We always get a fantastic reception whenever we play the North East and we can’t wait to come back.”

X Factor’s Louisa Johnson will be joined by Jedward and 5 After Midnight on 23rd July as they bring some stardust to South Tyneside. The winner of the 2015 series of the TV talent competition will be visiting South Shields for the first time. “I’ve heard great things about the North East audiences,” she says, “so I hope we can give them a day to remember.”

Disco divas Sister Sledge will be ensuring that the Sunday Concert series ends with a bang and a boogie as they headline the last event, on 30th July. “We have performed in the North East a few times over the years and we can’t wait to come back as the audiences are always wonderful,” they say. “We are looking forward to getting the “family” of South Tyneside Lost in Music at this fantastic open air concert.”

If you want to ensure you’re in prime position for these headline performers, you can buy Priority Access Tickets for the Sunday Concerts. At just £5 per person – with under-fives free – these tickets guarantee access into the concert, with the chance to arrive earlier to secure your spot.

You’ll still be able to get into the gigs on the day for free, but Priority Access Tickets ensure your entry for what are always popular events. Tickets are limited and available up to seven days before the concert from Ticketmaster online or by calling 0844 844 0444 or in person at the Shop @ The Word.

Disco divas Sister Sledge will be ensuring that the Sunday Concerts series ends with a bang and a boogie

It’s not just Bents Park that’ll be rocking this summer, though: for those classically-minded music fans, South Marine Park plays host to Proms in the Park on Sunday 2nd July, while you can sing along to bands from around the area every Saturday from 15th July to 2nd September (excluding 26th August). The Seafront Amphitheatre’s stage will be home to live music every Thursday and Saturday evening from 1st – 24th June, while brass bands will trumpet the joys of South Tyneside every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer. From 1st – 24th August on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there’ll be something for the next generation, with a Kids Fun-Fest at the Amphitheatre, where the whole family can sit back and enjoy an afternoon of games and activities with enthralling entertainers and performers.

Away from the Summerlong South Tyneside Festival, there’s plenty happening around the area, with something for everyone. Highlights include the monthly Pepperpot Craft Fayre on the first Sunday of the month in South Shields’ Market Square, and the Great North Feast at Bents Park on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Restaurant Week arrives from 7th – 14th October, and you can explore a little more of the area’s history as part of the Heritage Open Days from 7th – 10th September, the last day of which coincides with the Great North Run. Then there are the famous fireworks displays, lighting up the skies over South Shields seafront on 5th November at 6.30pm and 8pm.

Laughter lovers can enjoy the South Tyneside Comedy Festival from 1st July – 6th August, while literature fans will want to mark down 21st — 25th June in their diaries – that’s when the WRITE Festival arrives at The Word. And just because the nights will draw in, it doesn’t mean the excitement will be over: you’ll remember remember 5th November for its Fireworks Display, while the Christmas Wonderland will take over South Tyneside from mid-November. We can’t wait!

Here is a short South Tyneside tourism video to watch while you wait for your booking confirmation email to arrive…

Published on 15th June 2017 13:50.

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Bents Park, Market Place (South Shields), NE33, South Marine Park, South Shields, South Shields Amphitheatre, The Word

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South Tyneside Guide – Summer Parade

The latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside is out. Request your own free 33 page copy of the guide when you book online on our website.

Here is an extract from the latest 2017 guide to South Tyneside…

South Tyneside Summer Parade Free South Tyneside Visitor Guide 2017

Once Upon A Time On Parade

The biggest event of its type in the North East is a cornerstone in the region’s cultural calendar, and requires a veritable village of people to pull off — 2,000 in all will take part. Taking Once Upon A Time as its theme this year, the Summer Parade is back, bigger than ever.

On 1st July the Summer Parade returns to South Tyneside, celebrating the height of the summer in the biggest carnival in the North East. The parade’s theme this year is Once Upon A Time, celebrating the magic and wonder of storytelling in all its formats, bringing a cavalcade of some of literature’s best-loved characters to life in front of your very eyes.

The parade, which is one of the highlights of the South Tyneside Festival, will feature magical creatures, courageous heroes and beautiful princesses, while extravagantly-decorated floats will pass along the parade route, enthralling all those who watch. Mixed in among the parade will be marching bands, stilt walkers and dance troupes inspired by traditional folk tales and fables.

Embarking from South Shields Town Hall at 1pm and making its way along Ocean Road before arriving at the seafront, the parade will wend its way to Bents Park, where there’ll be a range of live music and storytelling-themed activities for the whole family to take part in.

This will be a three-hour extravaganza, but the hard work in preparing it has been going on for months. Husband and wife Sandy and Garner Harris, working together as The Creative Seed, are the team who make sure that the event goes off smoothly. The pair met in 1992, when Garner was working as a dancer and Sandy as a costume supervisor on the West End production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express.

They’re now part of a 14-person team (including their daughter and son), and have called in expertise from around the world to ensure the parade is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all those who see it.

The parade will have five themes, telling tales and taking inspiration from The Arabian Nights, The Jungle Book, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Peter Pan. Some of the 2,000 parade walkers will climb into three-metre high and wide structures made of aluminium and festooned with decorations and costumes that bring these fantastic fairy tales from our childhoods to vibrant, colourful life.

“People enjoy carnivals and parades because it’s a party,” says Sandy. “People are coming together, talking, having fun. There’s a family atmosphere about it. It’s a very inclusive party – that’s what carnival is.”

The parade’s an international performance, combining acting, dance and marvellous mechanical structures. Large Indian elephants will stampede along the parade route – made by The Creative Seed and Adrian Young, who travelled from Trinidad and Tobago to help prepare for the parade. They’ll help tell the story of The Jungle Book on one of the many floats that will travel the route, enthralling and entertaining the audience every step of the way.

The Summer Parade is just one part of the captivating calendar of events occurring in the area this summer as part of the South Tyneside Festival, a three month long programme of family-friendly events, open-air concerts, activities and entertainment. Packed full of feelgood moments, and bringing some of the biggest names in entertainment to the shoreline of South Tyneside, it’s a major cultural happening that’s not to be missed.

The formative tales we’re told in childhood are some of the most captivating stories we ever read, and live with us forever. Whether you’re rooting for Hansel and Gretel, want to be young forever like Peter Pan, or dream that some day your prince will come like Cinderella, there’s something for everyone in the riot of colour, music, song and dance that attracts participants from across the country and around the world. To make sure you don’t miss a single step of it, line up along the route and cheer along the sights, sounds and incredible, unmissable atmosphere of the South Tyneside Summer parade – a key date for your cultural calendar.

Inn in the Park

All points of the parade route are just a few minutes’ walk from the finish point at Bents Park, on South Shields seafront, where there will be a great afternoon of tree fun for all the family to enjoy.

Join in with the storytelling-inspired activities, get up close to the impressive parade floats and enjoy a tasty bite to eat or a refreshing drink in the food village and beer tent. Throughout the afternoon there’ll be lots of entertainment and live music, including a fantastic finale by ABBA Express. It’s not to be missed!

Here is a short South Tyneside tourism video to watch while you wait for your booking confirmation email to arrive…

Published on 15th June 2017 13:40.

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Bents Park, NE33, South Shields, South Shields Town Hall