I Love North Shields

19/12/2025

The launch of Codswallop and Chips — a one-off special comic created for North Shields 800 by Viz legends Chris & Simon Donald — had The Globe Gallery absolutely buzzing. Queues in the rain, proper excitement, and that unmistakable North Shields energy.

This isn’t just any comic either. It’s classic Viz humour with a full-on local twist, inspired in part by I Love North Shields (how awesome is this!). New characters, familiar chaos, and jokes that hit because they’re rooted right here. Sharp, daft, and definitely not for bairns.

As Diane Wailes put it:

> “It was brilliant to see North Shields out in force for something that really celebrates our sense of humour and identity. Viz has always reflected working-class culture, and seeing that turned into something so rooted in North Shields for the 800 celebrations felt really special.”

And Caroline Oswald nailed the mood of the night:

> “By 7pm, a queue of us old Viz fans had already formed outside, undeterred by the rain and buzzing to get our mits on a copy… I was over the moon to finally get mine — and then happily queued again to get it signed.”

Created by Viz Comics legends Chris & Simon Donald, it’s all about the town — the people, the places, and the humour we know and love.

📸 Diane Wailes and Carol Oswald



Supported by

18/12/2025

I love a good busker and I love the sound of this…
There’s something about music spilling into the street — stopping you mid-stride, pulling you into a moment you didn’t plan for.

Busking’s been around for centuries. Long before big stages and sound systems, people shared songs where life actually happened.

For some, it’s how they earn a living.
For others, it’s about confidence, connection, or just being heard.
For all of us, it’s culture in its rawest form.

So when you hear a song that makes you pause — support it.
A coin, a smile, a minute of your time.
That’s how street music survives🧡

18/12/2025

✨ Christmas Tote Bag Printing Announcement ✨
We are collaborating with Lyoness Press print studio for a special creative activity at our pop-up in the Beacon Centre in North Shields. You’ll have the opportunity to try screen printing your own tote bag with a unique Christmassy design by Rosie the Artist, perfect for a last minute Christmas present or to keep for yourself!

🗓 December 23rd
⏰ 11–3pm 📍
I Love North Shields Pop-up Shop, The Beacon Centre, North Shields

Join Beth from Lyoness Press who will take you through the steps to print your own tote bag so that you can take home something truly one-of-a-kind

💚 £10 per tote bag - all materials are included! You can pay by card on cash when you arrive. The number of tote bags are limited, so please come along early to secure your spot!

18/12/2025

Pop-up shop & gallery update — this is how it’s going so far…

Another fab day with you 💛
We’re keeping count and 98 people came into the shop today alone. Honestly unreal.

It’s been so good meeting you in person — hearing your stories, having great chats, and meeting some absolute characters (said with love). We’ve met artists, poets, musicians, photographers… and people just popping in asking “what is this and who’s paying for it?” 😂
All walks of life, all welcome. That’s what makes it fun.

Huge shout-out to our amazing volunteers Rachel, Carol and Sue for giving their time, listening, chatting, helping — and understanding that sometimes people don’t want to buy anything, they just want to talk about life. And that’s more than fine.

To all our friends who’ve popped by — thank you for the love and support. It’s genuinely heartwarming and a reminder of how special this community is. That kind of thing can’t be bought.

PS 👀
We’ve got new merch in stock, designed by
for I Love North Shields — and yep, it’s cool! More coming your way!
The T-shirts drop tomorrow, so come in and check them out 👕

We’re also selling some incredible artworks by . If you’re looking for something meaningful for your walls or looking for a gift that is not just unique, but a real art investment — drop by and grab one before they’re gone.

Here’s to tomorrow North Shields! Looking forward meeting you in person! We are in the Beacon Centre opposite Wilko from 10-4.

The popup shop is made possible by and

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

SPOTTED 👀🛍️

Our I Love North Shields tote bag has been spotted out and about at The Exchange, North Shields — love seeing these locally-made bags around town! .1856

These totes are proudly sponsored by Blue Moon Editions 💙 — a creative UK business that designs completely bespoke, luxury wedding books to turn your photos, vows and stories into beautiful keepsakes you’ll treasure forever.

👜 Premium cotton quality tote bags 100% cotton
🏪 Backing local creatives
💙 Supporting everything local

Grab yours today from our pop-up shop in the Beacon Centre.

🕙 10–4 daily
📍 Beacon Centre, North Shields
📅 Until 24 Dec

Carry North Shields with you 💙

Pop Up shop made possible by

17/12/2025

POP IN & SUPPORT LOCAL 🛍️💙

We’re in the Beacon Centre, North Shields until 24 December — pop in, grab a magazine, pick up a tote, and support everything local.

Real stories. Local people. Community-powered.
Plus… it’s just really nice to say hi in person.

Plus pick up your free art trail map!

🕙 10–4 daily
📍 Beacon Centre

See you in town 💙

16/12/2025

💛 From May 2024 to now — what a journey.

When I Love North Shields started back in May 2024, we didn’t have a master plan. We just knew our town deserved to be seen, heard and celebrated

Since then, you’ve written, photographed, volunteered, shared stories, stopped us in the street, sent messages, tagged us, bought the magazine, passed it on, and reminded us why this matters.

Thank you to every volunteer, contributor, reader, artist, business and community group who’s been part of this so far. You didn’t just support a platform — you became it.

With 800 years of history behind us and so much happening right now, one thing’s clear:
there’s still SO much to document.

Because there’s nothing more interesting than people, communities and belonging — and staying connected to what’s happening on your doorstep.

So what's next?

🛍️ Come and see us at our pop-up shop — we’re there until December 24th. Pop in, say hi, grab the latest issue and have a chat.

🎄 After that, we’ll be taking a short break over the holidays — then we’re back fresh in January, working towards Issue 16, launching March / April.

✨ We’ve got some amazing things in the pipeline and we’ll keep you posted ofcourse!

Onwards and upwards North Shields🖤

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16/12/2025

A different take on Christmas dinner 🦞🥂

Turkey? Stuffing? Same every year? Not for everyone.

Christmas Day 2023, Margaret and Bertie Mann (joined by little legend Lola 🐾) ditched the traditional roast and did Christmas their way — picnic basket in the boot, a seafood platter piled high with lobster as the star, and a bottle of champagne ready to pop.

The venue? North Shields, of course. Parked up, wrapped up, looking out over the river mouth.

> “We fancied something different this year — good food, a bottle of fizz, and one of our favourite views in North Shields. Cold hands, warm hearts.”
— Margaret & Bertie Mann

Proof that Christmas dinner doesn’t need a dining table to be perfect. Sometimes all you need is the sea air, good company, and the confidence to skip the turkey altogether.

Camera plus interview Diane Wailes