Series of weekly events is being launched in North Shields to provide a boost to the town centre.
Stalls selling a variety of products will appear at the Bedford Street Events, which will be running every Wednesday for six weeks starting on May 8.
The scheme has been introduced by North Shields Chamber of Commerce, after a number of town centre reviews suggested that holding events would attract more footfall to the town centre.
The street event was inspired by similar schemes introduced at Merthyr Tydfil, which is twinned with North Shields.
Miles Walton, chair of the North Shields Chamber, said: “Our partnership with Merthyr Tydfil, which runs similar events in its town centre, had a major influence on this idea. We saw what they were doing and thought that something similar could be a big success in North Shields.
“Local people have also been asking us for a while to have some small events in Bedford Street as an addition to the bigger ones in Northumberland Square – the Proper Food and Drink festival and the Victorian Market – and we are so pleased these have come to fruition.
“The Chamber is very happy to have the support of North Tyneside Council, the Beacon Centre and event operator Groupe Géraud, so thank you to all of those organisations. If the events go well we hope to have another series later in the year.”
Shoppers will also be able to enjoy music from local guitarist Larry Page who will perform for three hours during the market.
Mr Page said: “I heard the Chamber was looking for someone to play music at the events and I jumped at the chance. I do gigs all over the place but it will be extra special to play for people in my home town.”
The Bedford Street Events will run for six weeks every Wednesday, between 10am and 4pm, starting on May 8.
Meanwhile, the North Tyneside Business Forum has said it has increased its membership by 35% in the last year with more than 1,300 now receiving regular updates from the group.
The group said it would be focussing on skills and apprenticeships, funding for business, business growth and employment, and networking as priorities in the coming year.
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