Nestled between North Shields and Tynemouth, the picturesque park reopened earlier in the year after a £2.2m National Lottery investment, with finishing touches and special features added since.

This Saturday (8 August) the park will be filled with activities and entertainment for all the family.

With a Viking re-enactment, a falconry display, magicians, face painters, dance groups and princesses, the event really will have something for everyone.

Taking place from 12pm to 4.30pm, over the course of the afternoon, there will also be a treasure trail, a fancy dress parade and bowling taster sessions – and it’s all completely free!

An evening of free live music will follow in the park’s newly installed bandstand, with different performers entertaining the crowds between 4.30pm and 7pm.

Visitors are invited to bring along their own picnic, purchase tasty treats from the park’s new Glasshouse Tea Room or buy a ticket in advance for a hog roast.

Ahead of the big event, North Tyneside Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn, said: “Northumberland Park is looking absolutely lovely and we’re really looking forward to celebrating the project with local residents and visitors next month. As well as celebrating reaching the end of the wonderful work, the event is also our way of thanking residents for their help and ideas on how to improve the park, and for their patience while we carried out the improvements.

“I would also like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund for their grants, to Kier North Tyneside who carried out many of the restorations, to council staff for all their hard work and the New Friends of Northumberland Park who are so passionate about the park. Together they have completely transformed Northumberland Park, returning it to its former glory while adding in special features for the enjoyment of our residents.”

Work to revamp the park, which first opened in 1885, included restoring or replicating lost Victorian features; an archaeological dig, which found an outline of a medieval hospital; enhancing the bowling green; creating a sculpture trail and general planting and landscaping.

The new cafe, The Glasshouse Tea Room, also opened in the park at the end of June. The new building, which also has a community education room and toilet facilities, stands in the central area of the park.

Improvements are also being made to children’s playpark, due to open on 8 August, and work to create a BMX Pump Track will begin after the summer holidays.

The work has been made possible thanks to a £2.2m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BLG).

Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate the official opening of Northumberland Park and the incredible transformation which means this much-loved park can once again be  at the heart of community life and be a fantastic attraction for visitors. Congratulations to everyone involved, we’re proud to have played a funding role.”

Further information

For more information contact the North Tyneside Council press office on 0191 643 5076.