Picnic In The Park 2023

Last Saturday we held our very first ‘Picnic in the Park’ and what a day it was! 

Nearly 4,000 North Tyneside locals passed through the newly refurbished Northumberland Square on the day and joined in our festivities. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate our Founders Day than bringing the North Shields community together. The sun was shining, the music was pumping, and the atmosphere was electric.

YMCA Founders Day is celebrated around 6th June each year to remember George Williams who initially founded YMCA back in 1844. YMCA has grown from a group of 12 known as the Young Men’s Christian Association to a nonprofit who now serves over 65 million people in 120 countries all connected by the want to strengthen our local communities. We’re pretty amazing really!

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As a charity who is committed to serving the community, we made sure to plan carefully with the local families in mind. With a wide range of inclusive family friendly activities including hook a duck (remember that old classic?), face painting, archery, interactive storytelling, a visit from Fireman Sam AND more, the children had a whale of a time! Just take a look at our photos to see their smiling faces.

But this is just the beginning. We’re already planning next years ‘Picnic in the Park’ and it’s going to be even bigger and better. Pencil in Saturday 1st June 2024! And make sure to follow our socials, check our website and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all our future events.

We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to support us and help make this event a success. We couldn’t have done it without you! We’d like to give a special thanks to:

• The Two Pennies
• No.1 The Basement
• Kutz Barbers
• CMS Live Music
• PMP: Plastic & Metals Profiles LTD
• Longsands Clothing
• North Shields Quality Butchers
• Barry’s Fruit and Veg
• Steve Keys
• Star Bright Arts
• Lily (Face Painter)
• Monkseaton Morris Dancers
• RNLI
• Tyne & Wear Fire Service
• Healthwatch North Tyneside

And of course, a huge well done and congratulations to our staff and volunteer team who pulled everything together and made sure everyone had spectacular time. You’re all a huge asset to YMCA North Tyneside!