Northumberland Square was filled with visitors on Saturday as YMCA North Tyneside’s Picnic in the Park 2026 made a successful return, bringing together live entertainment, family-friendly activities and some of the region’s best emerging talent.
The free community event attracted more than 1,000 people and raised over £3,000 in support of YMCA North Tyneside’s vital youth programmes, housing initiatives and wellbeing services delivered across the North East.
Running from 10am until 4pm, the event saw a packed programme of family entertainment, live music, independent food traders, creative workshops and interactive activities for all ages.
Highlights from the day included live performances from Joe Bartley, Yellow Pages, Kody Walker, Helena Lily & Corey G, Alation and the North Tyneside Steel Band, with YMCA North Tyneside continuing its commitment to showcasing and supporting grassroots and emerging talent from across the North East.
One of the standout parts of the day was a live spray-paint installation co-created by Bobby (AKA Sick Styles) and out Youth and Community Teams to express what YMCA North Tyneside truly means to our young people. Designed as both an interactive spectacle and a powerful community statement, the final artwork seamlessly blended professional street art with the authentic voices of the community, weaving themes of belonging and support directly into the design.
Visitors also enjoyed food, sweet treats and drinks from independent traders including Truly Torta, Lucca Pizza, Jam Jar and Rob’s Ices, helping create a festival atmosphere in the heart of North Shields.
Ian Pearson, YMCA North Tyneside Day Nursery Manager, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible turnout for this year’s Picnic in the Park. Bringing over 1,000 people together was a wonderful celebration of our community’s diversity, offering a fantastic opportunity to engage with residents and share insight into our vital work.”
“We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s generosity. A huge thank you to everyone who came along, and to our phenomenal performers, food vendors and supporters. The day truly showcased the very best of our community coming together, and we are already planning for next year!”
Jane Enright, Marketing & Communications Manager at YMCA North Tyneside, said:
“What makes Picnic in the Park so special is seeing so many different people come together to support their community, celebrate local talent and help create something that has a genuinely positive impact.”
“The atmosphere throughout the day was incredible, and it was fantastic to see families, performers, volunteers and local organisations all helping make the event such a success.”
“We are especially proud that this year’s event not only celebrated grassroots North East talent but also marked the official launch of our Y Bus, which will help us take youth services directly into communities across the wider region that need them most.”
Green Party Councillor, Martin Osborne, said:
“YMCA North Tyneside do so much amazing work in the community and it has been fantastic to see their Picnic in the Park go from strength to strength over the last few years.”
“It is a great opportunity to bring everyone together and highlight the impact that the YMCA North Tyneside has, and I’m looking forward to continuing to see the event grow in the future and supporting them.”
Andy and Danielle of the Truly Torta food truck said:
“What a fantastic event! It was our absolute pleasure to be invited to take part in Picnic in the Park this year. We loved connecting with everyone in the community and are already looking forward to the next one!”
YMCA North Tyneside has thanked everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, sponsored and supported the event, with organisers already looking ahead to Picnic in the Park 2027.
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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