Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has welcomed the launch of a major four-year-long cultural programme celebrating England’s historic high streets.
High Street Tales is the first project in a £7.4million Cultural Programme led by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This programme of cultural activities is part of the £95 million High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme, which is currently working to breathe new life into 68 English high streets including North Shields.
The project was launched this week with a new short story by North Tyneside-based writer, Celia Bryce. Set in North Shields, Time and the Shoe Man is an otherworldly tale which follows a mysterious character on his journey through the streets of North Shields and into the past to return a lost shoe to its rightful place.
The tale began life in autumn 2020 when Bryce – using local social media, zooming and interviews – began collecting reflections, memories and stories from local people about North Shields.
Alan Campbell said “This is an interesting project and it’s great to see North Shields play a starring role. With the regeneration of North Shields now underway it’s an exciting time for our area.”
You can access the podcast here:
