PREVIEW

WORDS BYLINE: Hayley Chamberlain

A mural featuring lyrics by Brit Award-winner Sam Fender has taken pride of place in North Shields as part of a bold artistic tribute to the town’s 800th anniversary.

The phrase "I Beg That Sound", from Fender’s rousing anthem The Sound, now towers over a local building in vibrant, colourful lettering created by celebrated street artist Ricky ALSO. The eye-catching piece is one of several popping up across North Shields, transforming walls and neighbourhoods into open-air galleries that celebrate the town’s heritage.

The mural is part of a bold public art campaign spearheaded by Elevation, a community arts charity founded by passionate locals. The project aims to mark North Shields’ 800th birthday by turning walls across the town centre, Fish Quay and surrounding neighbourhoods into vibrant canvases that tell the story of the town’s rich past and proud identity.
And the results are already turning heads far beyond Tyneside.

One mural — 'The Chase', an enchanting underwater scene painted by Dutch artist Nina Valkhoff — has been nominated as one of the top 10 wall murals in the world, drawing international attention to the North East’s flourishing creative scene.

Meanwhile, acclaimed North Shields muralist Mark One87 has added his trademark graphic flair to a wall at North Shields Football Club, further cementing the town’s identity through street art.

An Elevation spokesperson said: "We wanted to create high-quality murals that capture the history and spirit of North Shields, while also making people feel good about where they live. This is about pride, community, and showcasing our stories in a way that everyone can see and enjoy."