YMCA North Tyneside’s Picnic in the Park Returns to North Shields This June

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/

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.”

Tickets are available online at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/picnic-in-the-park-tickets-1983254780436  

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.

The full day itinerary and confirmed traders will be announced in the coming months, but people can stay up to date from YMCA North Tyneside’s social channels or by visiting: https://ymcanorthtyneside.org/events/picnic-in-the-park-2026/

For details about YMCA North Tyneside and its services, visit:
Instagram: @ymca_northtyneside
Facebook: YMCA North Tyneside
Website: www.ymcanorthtyneside.org
Email: enquiries@ymcanorthtyneside.org
Tel: 0191 257 5434 

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