Celebrating our local North East coastline

This unique event will feature an exciting programme of art and activities inspired by the Stronger Shores project and the innovative ways in which they are harnessing the power of nature to protect our coastline for future generations.

From 10am, visit local stalls and explore a dramatic installation of over 600 Beach of Dreams flags that will be situated on Sandhaven Beach. These flags have been designed by community groups around the country and will include seven flags commissioned by Stronger Shores and designed by three local community groups: Sisters of Shields; Creative Seed; and Horden Together, as well as the Stronger Shores team.

Throughout the day an outdoor art exhibition will showcase a new collaboration combining images from photographer Tessa Bunney with words from writer Stevie Ronnie. This new commission has been specially produced for Beach of Dreams, with the artists taking inspiration from workshops in the local community and the work of Stronger Shores. While visiting the exhibition, you can pick up copies of three new zines created by Sisters of Shields, Creative Seed and Horden Together. In these zines you will discover bold new words and images that explore our emotional connections to the coast.

Sunderland-based arts organisation Creative Seed will bring a carnival feel to the day through a series of exciting and colourful events. A contemporary dance performance around the Beach of Dreams flags at 11am will be followed by a dramatic carnival parade that begins at 12pm. Finally from 1pm, Creative Seed will take up residence in the amphitheatre at Sandhaven Beach, where they will be offering a whole host of fun and creative activities for all to enjoy.

Dates & Times

Sun 11 May, 10:00—16:00

Sandhaven Beach, South Shields NE33 3NG

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