YMCA North Tyneside has announced the return of its popular annual Picnic in the Park, a free community fundraising event taking place on Saturday 6 June 2026 at Northumberland Square in North Shields.
Now in its fourth year, the event promises a day packed with entertainment, activities and live music, bringing together friends, families and neighbours while raising funds to support the charity’s vital work.
Running from 10am to 4pm, Picnic in the Park will begin with a morning packed with family-friendly entertainment and children’s activities, followed by an afternoon of local live music, food and drink. Organisers are encouraging people to bring the whole family and friends down and make a full day of it.
Last year, Picnic in the Park welcomed more than 2,000 attendees and raised over £3,500 to help fund YMCA North Tyneside’s supported housing, youth programmes, community meals and wellbeing services. Organisers are hoping to build on that success in 2026.
The morning will feature exciting children’s rides, entertainers, face painting, family activities and a tombola and raffle. From midday, the spotlight will turn to the main stage, where live music will fill the square alongside food and drink from local favourite traders, including a mobile bar.
This year, YMCA North Tyneside is putting local talent centre stage. Aspiring performers are being invited to submit audition videos for the chance to perform at the event, with the community also playing a role in helping to choose who makes the final lineup. Further details on performer applications and deadlines can be found online via: https://ymcanorthtyneside.org/events/picnic-in-the-park-2026/
YMCA North Tyneside Party in the Park
Helen Thompson, Director of Community & Social Enterprise at YMCA North Tyneside, said,
“Picnic in the Park is about so much more than one day of celebration. It is about bringing people together, showcasing the incredible talent we have here in the North East and reminding everyone what community really looks like. Every ticket booked, raffle sold and pound raised helps us continue delivering vital services to those who need them most. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Northumberland Square for what’s set to be our biggest and best event yet.”
While entry to Picnic in the Park is completely free, those keen to attend have the option to select a donation ticket when booking. Any contribution, no matter how small, helps YMCA North Tyneside continue providing the important services for local young people and families, with every penny reinvested back into the community.
The tickets provide full access to the live music stage, family activities and community stalls. By registering in advance, attendees help organisers plan for a safe and enjoyable day, with those signed up receiving final event schedules and any important updates ahead of Saturday, 6th June 2026.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-person-sits-in-front-of-a-waterfall-right-a-beach-in-anticosti-island-quebec.jpg?id=59811156&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C29%2C0%2C30"/><br/><br/><p>Nicknamed "la belle province," Quebec has no shortage of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/quebec-road-trips" target="_blank">enchanting road trip destinations</a>. From the towering peaks of Mont-Tremblant to the cliffs of Gaspé, and the cobblestone charm of Montreal and Quebec City, the province is a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/14-breathtaking-quebec-national-parks-you-can-road-trip-to-this-summer#rebelltitem11" target="_blank">playground for nature lovers</a> and culture seekers alike.</p><p>But tucked away in the Côte‑Nord, L'île d'Anticosti is a lesser-known gem that feels like its own little world — or rather, a massive one. It's Quebec's largest island, and arguably one of its most magical.</p><p>Here are just a few elements that make this place worthy of a spot on your bucket list. </p><h3>Incredible views</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWd1hfVL-l1/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWd1hfVL-l1/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Anticosti's scenery will stop you in your tracks. The 7,943 square-kilometre island is absolutely massive — even bigger than Prince Edward Island — but with only a few hundred residents, most of it feels wild, wide open, and untouched. </p><p>From the soaring limestone cliffs along the north shore to hidden emerald-green rivers that wind through dense forest, Anticosti is a dream for anyone who loves raw, dramatic landscapes.</p><p>You can soak in the views at Pointe Nord Lighthouse, where the sea stretches far in every direction, or <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/parks/canada/quebec/parc-national-danticosti?ref=result-card" target="_blank">hike trails</a> to an endless number of lookout points. </p><h3>Waterfalls and secret caves</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkd-KA6nIFH/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkd-KA6nIFH/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>The island is home to dozens of natural caves and waterfalls, many hidden away in rugged, untouched terrain. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/quebec/belvedere-de-la-chute-vaureal" target="_blank">V</a><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/quebec/belvedere-de-la-chute-vaureal" target="_blank">auréal Falls</a> — a dramatic 76-metre cascade that actually stands taller than Niagara Falls — is an undenibale showstopper.</p><p>Nearby, the <a href="https://www.sentiersdelacote.ca/canyon-brick#:~:text=Acc%C3%A8s,secondaires%20allant%20vers%20le%20sud." target="_blank">Rivière du Brick Canyon</a> offers a totally different vibe: emerald-green pools tucked between steep rock walls, perfect for a scenic swim (when conditions are right).</p><p>If you're after something calmer, the Chicotte River has crystal-clear, temperate water and peaceful forest views, which are ideal for a quick dip and a moment of quiet.</p><p>And for those craving underground adventure, Potato Cave (Grotte à la Patate) is one of Quebec's longest caves, stretching over 600 metres through rock carved by ancient rivers. You can explore it on your own with helmet and headlamp rentals available at the nearby <a href="https://www.sepaq.com/sepaq-anticosti/vacances-ete/annexes/sejour-chalet-camping-mcdonald.dot?language_id=1" target="_blank">McDonald Visitors Centre</a>.</p><h3>Wildlife</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUxgjCHFE7u/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUxgjCHFE7u/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>One of the island's quirks is that deer outnumber people by a ratio of more than 500 to one. But with only about 250 full-time residents, that stat isn't as shocking as it sounds.</p><p>Anticosti is home to <a href="https://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/blog/wildlife-in-the-spotlight-throughout-quebec-maritime-national-parks?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">approximately 115,000 white-tail deer</a>. The species was introduced to the area in the late 1800s, and with no natural predators around, they now roam freely across the island. Spotting them is almost guaranteed, especially at dawn and dusk.</p><p>You might also encounter foxes, beavers, seals, and over 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.</p><h3>A World Heritage Site</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0GwFJgILs2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a3c6cfab-71c1-447e-a07e-bb0f5bc92a12" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0GwFJgILs2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a3c6cfab-71c1-447e-a07e-bb0f5bc92a12" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Anticosti Island <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2023/09/anticosti-inscribed-on-unescos-world-heritage-list.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">officially joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023</a>, earning recognition as one of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/top-unesco-world-heritage-sites-canada" target="_blank">Canada's most extraordinary natural sites</a>. Beyond its cliffs, caves, and remote beauty, the island preserves an incredible window into Earth's ancient past with the most complete fossil record of marine life from a mass extinction that occurred about 440 million years ago.</p><p>Thousand-year-old fossils are embedded in the flat coastal rock, including rare soft-bodied species that are almost never found preserved. While scientists travel from around the world to study them, many of these fossils are visible to anyone walking along the shoreline.</p><p>So don't be surprised if you casually stumble across a piece of prehistory while taking in the views.</p><h3>How to get there</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl8GzMzhntc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=27f3131f-9e17-48db-99a2-9b6fb1f09a33" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl8GzMzhntc/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=27f3131f-9e17-48db-99a2-9b6fb1f09a33" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Getting to Anticosti isn't as easy as hopping in the car and heading north, but its remoteness is part of the charm. </p><p>You can fly from Montreal or Quebec City with regional airlines like <a href="https://www.tourismecote-nord.com/en/air-liaison/air-services/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Air Liaison</a>, which offers regular flights to Port-Menier, the island's main village. </p><p>During the summer months, the <a href="https://relaisnordik.com/en/schedules-and-fares/" target="_blank">Relais Nordik ferry</a> operates from the North Shore, providing a scenic route to the island.</p><p>Most visitors choose to stay at the <a href="https://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/company/sepaq-anticosti/lodging" target="_blank">Sépaq Anticosti lodge</a>, opt for rustic cabins, or bring their own camping gear to fully immerse themselves in Anticosti's natural beauty.</p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
