Picnic in the Park to return this Saturday

A North Shields charity event is returning this summer with live music, family entertainment and the launch of a new mobile youth outreach service.

YMCA North Tyneside has announced the full line-up and schedule for Picnic in the Park 2026, which will take place at Northumberland Square on Saturday, June 6.

The free event, running from 10am to 4pm, is expected to welcome thousands of visitors for a day of live performances, food and drink, creative activities and community entertainment.

Now in its fourth year, Picnic in the Park has become one of YMCA North Tyneside’s flagship events, bringing together families, grassroots performers, local businesses and residents while raising funds for the charity’s youth work, housing and wellbeing services.

This year’s celebration also falls on YMCA Founder’s Day, marking the anniversary of George Williams founding the global YMCA movement in London in 1844.

The day will begin with a family programme from 10am until midday, featuring children’s entertainment, games, face painting, interactive illusions and activities for younger visitors.

From midday, the focus will shift to live music and emerging talent from across the North East.

Performers include singer-songwriter Joe Bartley, who has progressed from busking on the streets of Newcastle to performing at St James’ Park.

North Shields indie-rock duo Yellow Pages, made up of brothers Cody and Caden, will also appear following the release of their latest single, Song For Me.

Other artists on the bill include Kody Walker, Helena Lily & Corey G and live band Alation, with the programme designed to showcase local acts at different stages of their careers.

The North Tyneside Steel Band, a long-established charity that has taught steel pan music in the community for more than three decades, will also perform.

Alongside the entertainment, visitors will be able to buy food, drinks and sweet treats from independent regional traders including Truly Torta, Lucca Pizza, Jam Jar and Rob’s Ices.

A live spray-paint art installation by Sick Styles will be created throughout the day in Northumberland Square, with the artwork co-designed alongside YMCA youth and community groups.

Young people have also helped shape wider elements of the event, influencing activities, creative features and the overall atmosphere of the day.

This year’s Picnic in the Park will also mark the first official outing for YMCA North Tyneside’s new Y Bus.

The mobile youth work unit has been designed to support disadvantaged and rural communities across County Durham, Redcar and Cleveland, taking outreach services directly into areas where access to youth support and safe community spaces can be limited.

Sponsored by Housing 4 Good and supported through the Government’s Better Youth Spaces initiative, the Y Bus forms part of the charity’s wider plans to expand youth provision across the region.

Helen Thompson, director of community and social enterprise at YMCA North Tyneside, said: “Picnic in the Park has become such an important event for our community because it brings together so many different people, young people, grassroots talent and community organisations in one place.

“This year’s event feels especially meaningful as we celebrate YMCA Founder’s Day while also launching the Y Bus, which will help us take vital youth services directly into communities across the wider region.

“We are incredibly proud to showcase so much local talent throughout the day and cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Northumberland Square for what we believe will be our biggest and best Picnic in the Park yet.”

Picnic in the Park is free to attend, with optional donation tickets available to support YMCA North Tyneside’s work across the North East.

For the event’s full schedule, additional information and tickets, click here.

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