Friends of Readhead Park Appeal to Keep Free Picnic in the Park Running

One of South Shields' best-loved community days is back — but the volunteers behind it need local help to keep it free. The Friends of Readhead Park have launched an appeal for around £3,000 to cover the essential costs of running this year's Picnic in the Park, which returns on Saturday 22 August.

A free day out for the whole town

The Picnic in the Park runs from 12pm to 4pm and is free to attend. This year is a special one, marking the centenary of the park's opening. There will be more than 40 trading and charity stalls, live music from local performers, food, children's games, tombolas and an art exhibition, with work by South Shields animator Sheila Graber among the highlights.

It is exactly the kind of grass-roots event that keeps a neighbourhood ticking over — put on entirely by volunteers, with any proceeds going back to the Friends group to look after the park.

Why the appeal matters

Running a free public event is not free to put on. Costs such as insurance, first aiders and facilities all have to be paid for before a single visitor arrives, and the roughly £3,000 the organisers are seeking is what stands between the day staying free and it becoming harder to sustain in future years.

Best for: The free Picnic in the Park returns to Readhead Park on Saturday 22 August, 12pm to 4pm, with more than 40 stalls, live music, food and an art exhibition.

Businesses and residents who want to chip in — or simply turn up on the day — can help make sure this community tradition carries on. Readhead Park is one of four South Shields green spaces to have just retained its Green Flag Award, and days like this are a big part of why. For more of the town's parks, see our guide to South Marine Park.

The appeal was reported by the Shields Gazette.

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