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!

Read more below…

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!

Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest events!

Read more news stories:

Volunteer Opportunities for 2024

Volunteer Opportunities for 2024

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact. At YMCA North Tyneside, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals with diverse interests and skills. In 2024, we are excited to announce new and ongoing...

read more
Investing In Education

Investing In Education

Local businessman and long-time YMCA supporter Ben Broadhead is setting a sterling example of philanthropy and civic responsibility. Celebrating his recent directorship at E Turnbull & Son Funeral Directors, Ben has chosen to mark this personal milestone in a most...

read more
Hayden’s Journey to Independence

Hayden’s Journey to Independence

Hayden’s journey is a testament to the power of believing and the transformative impact of YMCA North Tyneside. His path to independence was not straightforward. After a swift shift in his home life, he found himself in need of a new living situation. It was his...

read more
A Summer of Fun

A Summer of Fun

Over the summer holidays our community team have been hard at work delivering a range of summer activities for young people. Find out more about what was available for the young people in our communities from our team; North Shields: This summer in North Shields, we...

read more
Labour Party Conference 2023

Labour Party Conference 2023

If you had told me 6 months ago that I would be speaking on a fringe at the Labour conference I would never have believed you… Those who know me will know I used to find taking phone calls or making phone calls really nerve-racking so as you can imagine public...

read more