Picnic in the Park 2026: YMCA North Tyneside invite local talent to perform at summer event
YMCA North Tyneside is looking for local talent to perform at its annual charity event this summer.
Picnic in the Park is a free community fundraising day set to take place on Saturday, June 6 from 10am – 4pm at Northumberland Square in North Shields.
The event is entering its fourth year and promises a day full of entertainment, activities and live music, bringing together friends, families, and neighbours, while raising funds to support the charity’s vital work.
Last year, Picnic in the Park welcomed more than 2,000 attendees and raised over £3,500 to help fund YMCA North Tyneside’s supported housing, youth programmes, community meals and wellbeing services.
The morning will feature exciting children’s rides, entertainers, face painting, family activities and a tombola and raffle. From midday, the spotlight will turn to the main stage, where live music will fill the square alongside food and drink from local favourite traders, including a mobile bar.
This year, YMCA North Tyneside is putting local talent centre stage. Aspiring performers are being invited to submit audition videos for the chance to perform at the event, with the community also playing a role in helping to choose who makes the final lineup.
Further details on performer applications and deadlines can be found here.
Helen Thompson, director of community and social enterprise at YMCA North Tyneside, said: “Picnic in the Park is about so much more than one day of celebration.
"It is about bringing people together, showcasing the incredible talent we have here in the North East and reminding everyone what community really looks like.
"Every ticket booked, raffle sold and pound raised helps us continue delivering vital services to those who need them most. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Northumberland Square for what’s set to be our biggest and best event yet.”