River parade for town anniversary

THE River Tyne is set to be filled with a parade of boats during the 800th anniversary of North Shields.

- OWEN YOUNGER

The North Shields 800 celebrations will see the Fish Quay host the parade on Friday, June 20. It is being organised by the North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project, with sponsorship from DFDS and support from North Tyneside Council.

Alongside the large number of vessels, including a Svitzer firefighting tug which will spray water into the air, 300 children from local schools will walk along the Fish Quay.

They will be led by three bagpipers and a vintage quayside truck. When they reach the end, they will then sing local songs, including Lindisfarne’s ‘Run for Home; and the blessing of the fleet will be given by Peter Dade.