Member Article

Carnival style celebration marks completion of £5 million seafront scheme

Daredevil stunts, fireworks and a whole host of family entertainment will mark the completion of an ambitious £5m project in South Tyneside this weekend.

On Saturday (April 5), South Tyneside Council will officially unveil its new promenade and seawall with a carnival-style day of activities for all ages.

The event, which marks the end of a two year project to improve walkways and sea defences around Littlehaven Beach, begins with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the specially-commissioned Sail sculpture by Nigel Sherlock, Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.

Press are invited to attend the launch of the Littlehaven development from 12.15pm for a promenade tour on Saturday (April 5), or from 12.45pm for the plaque unveiling where there will be a wide range of filming, photography and interview opportunities available - please see editor’s notes for details.

At around 1.45pm, a high-flying wing walking display will take to the skies, performing a breathtaking sequence of acrobatics while strapped to the wings of Boeing Stearman biplanes.

Visitors can then take a stroll along the full length of the 500m promenade and enjoy a host of entertainment along the way.

This includes live performances by Westoe Brass Band, the School Samba Drumming Group, South Tyneside Schools Celidh Band, Vieux Carre Jazzmen, Judge Nutmeg and The Understudies at the Performance Area from 2pm until 7pm. .

A series of dance displays will take place at the nearby Conversation Piece between 2pm and 6pm, with demonstrations by South Tyneside Dance Workshop, South Tyneside Gymnastics Club and Jive North East, while the South Shields Sailing Club will take part in a special regatta in the harbour from 2.05pm.

For those who prefer a more active role in the celebrations, a variety of sports and games will be staged from 1.30pm until 6pm on Littlehaven Beach. This includes beach boules, run in association with Friends of the Park, a Frisbee challenge, circus skills workshop and treasure trail.

The official launch of Littlehaven Promenade will end at 8pm, when a fireworks display will light up the sky to the sound of a specially-chosen nautical soundtrack and in time with a lighting display using the specially commissioned streetlamps along the promenade itself.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The completion of Littlehaven promenade is another key milestone in the borough’s regeneration, and follows the recent completion of the Haven Point pool and leisure complex and the stunning riverside park at Harton Quays. With the town centre set for £100m investment through the South Shields 365 programme, this is an exciting time for South Tyneside.

“Millions of people visit the borough every year, enjoying days out at the seaside, beautiful parks and a superb year-round programme of festivals, music and events. The opening of Haven Point means families can enjoy a swim whatever the weather; now this beautifully lit promenade makes it easy to enjoy a seaside stroll at any time of day.

“Saturday promises to be an exciting occasion and a fantastic day out.”

The Littlehaven promenade and seawall’s team included Galliford Try Civil Engineering (contractors), Royal HaskoningDHV (engineering consultants) and Oobe (landscape).

Mick Cooper from Royal Haskoning, said “There was a very strong team approach to the design and delivery of the scheme with great co-operation between the promenade and sea wall teams to make the Council’s ambitious vision a reality.”

Craig Winter from Galliford Try added: “It was a pleasure to work on such a big, high quality scheme that will have such a positive impact on South Tyneside.”

For more information about the Littlehaven Promenade, click on www.southtyneside.info/littlehaven.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .