Visitors to South Shields marketplace can enjoy free entertainment every Saturday as part of new efforts to boost footfall and support local traders.
A changing line-up of events and activities will run right through until next spring.
Visitors can expect everything from live music, buskers and storytelling to face painting and creative workshops.
Highlights of the Autumn programme include Halloween spooky storytelling under the Old Town Hall, followed by free facepainting for children.
The activities will take on a festive feel in the run-up to Christmas, starting with the light switch-on on 19 November, Christmas markets, Christmas choirs and bands, with carolling and opportunities to meet Santa.
Cllr Dave Royal, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment, said: “We’re focused on bringing more people into South Shields town centre and creating more reasons for residents and visitors to spend time here throughout the year.
“Increasing footfall helps support our market traders and other local businesses, while events like these help create a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.
“The relocation of South Tyneside College into the heart of South Shields will be another major boost, bringing students, staff and visitors into the town centre.
“Alongside investment in our public spaces and historic buildings, it’s all about creating a vibrant town centre where more people want to visit, spend time and come back to.”
The programme is part of wider efforts to support the market and encourage more people to visit and spend time in the town centre, funded by the North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness.
The funding forms wider investment in the region’s high streets, with each of the seven local authorities receiving £100,000 to support local solutions, funding anything from community consultations to events and regeneration projects.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We’re all tired of seeing high streets dry up, businesses close down, only to be replaced by vape shops, so we’re stepping in to turn things around and give people a reason to visit their town centres.
“That’s why we’re backing our local talent to bring free family-friendly entertainment to South Shields from great music to storytelling to face painting.
“But this isn’t all we’re doing to make the area more vibrant. South Tyneside College’s new campus on the high street will bring thousands of students, staff and visitors into South Shields town centre every single week. It means a thriving town centre, that supports jobs for local people.”
External restoration work to the historic Old Town Hall building is expected to get underway later this year, with further works to improve King Street, including new seating, lighting and planting planned for next year.
For details of the Saturday activities, visit www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk/market
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