'Shout about our rich history' - have a say in UK's Town of Culture crown

Towns in South Tyneside have the opportunity to be crowned the UK's first Town of Culture.

- by Ryan Smith

The annual Summer Parade is just one highlight in South Shields' cultural calendar.

Towns across the country can bid to become the UK's first Town of Culture, with the winner set to be given the opportunity to deliver a vibrant cultural programme that enables them to invest in their area.

The competition is open to small, medium and large towns-meaning South Shields, Hebburn, and Jarrow all meet the criteria for the competition.

Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, has highlighted that the competition would give towns the perfect opportunity to showcase their history and culture.

She said: "My Jarrow and Gateshead East constituency is historic - not only is Jarrow home to the Venerable Bede and the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, the formidable Red Ellen Wilkinson, the Jarrow March, and the invention of the Davy Lamp in Hebburn.

"From our shipping and mining heritage to the modern day, our community is steeped in history that continues to shape our culture.

"It would be excellent to see our towns and villages apply and shout about the rich history and culture that makes up Jarrow and Gateshead East!"