North Shields Young People Imagined The Future

Posted on: 19th December 2025

We recently celebrated our work with children and young people for North Shields' 800th anniversary

Image credit. TyneSight Photography

Dancers performing during Helix Arts North Shields 800 celebration event

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On Tuesday 25 November 2025, Helix Arts was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration for the Imagine the Future exhibition.

The event – which was part of North Shields’ 800th anniversary – showcased two major projects: Shiels’ Ambassadors, a school artist-in-residency programme, and the Imagine Your Future schools resource.

There was an exhibition of the young people’s work – ranging from colourful activities inspired by the resource to an imaginative cardboard town of the future, and a striking tile installation created by two Shiels’ Ambassadors which reflected on the town’s past and the young people’s hopes for its future.

There were beautiful performances from Christ Church C of E Primary School and St Thomas More Catholic High School.

Special guests Maggie Stead, Young Member of Parliament for North Tyneside and Councillor Nigel Huscroft, Chairperson of North Tyneside Council presented awards to young people to recognise their dedication and creativity.

Explore the photo gallery below.

Shiels' Ambassadors Artworks

A Cardboard Town of the Future

Created by Spring Gardens Primary School with artist Laura Marley.

This cardboard town was made in a frenetic afternoon of junk modelling.

Thinking about museum dioramas, the children depicted their own versions of what they wanted in a North Shields of the Future.

The Future Song

Written and recorded by Christ Church Primary School with artist Calum Howard.

The song reflected on life now and what the students wanted for their futures.

Click the picture to take a listen!

Tiling 'What we want'

Created by Collingwood Primary School and Percy Main Primary School with artist Laura Marley.

The children were bursting with ideas about what they loved about North Shields now, and what they hoped for in the future.

The tiles remind us of old tile maps found in railway stations.

We discussed what a map actually is – how and why people make and use maps.

In this map, the children wanted to make iconic representations of what North Shields could be in the future – and what was most important to them.

Dance inspired by North Shields

Choreographed and performed by St Thomas More Catholic High School with choreographer Anthony Lo-Guidice.

Young people took inspiration from the town’s murals to create a group piece featuring solo’s and duets that showcased what they love about the town and its heritage.

Councillor Nigel Huscroft, Chairperson of North Tyneside Council, presenting young people with a certificate.

“I want to extend my congratulations to our extremely talented young people. Your dedication, creativity, and hard work is truly inspiring. You have captured the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit in such a meaningful way, this exhibition is a testament to your incredible talent and imagination.”

Chair Person of North Tyneside Council, Councillor Nigel Huscroft