The South Tyneside Council agreed upon this at the end of October, citing the singer’s commitment to being a positive cultural ambassador for the local area.
The council leader, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said that JADE’s “achievements and dedication have brought pride and inspiration to our borough.”
JADE, full name Jade Thirlwall, was born and raised in Laygate, South Shields. She rose to fame by appearing on The X Factor as part of Little Mix, the first group ever to win the singing competition. She spent a decade as part of the girl group, scoring 19 top-ten singles, including five number-ones.
After Little Mix went on hiatus in 2022, JADE branched out into solo music. In September, she released her debut album That’s Showbiz Baby!, which was met with critical acclaim and reached number three in the UK Albums Chart.
...JADE is the honorary president of South Shields Football Club, a supporter of The Customs House theatre, and owns a bar called Arbeia...
In her hometown, JADE is the honorary president of South Shields Football Club, a supporter of The Customs House theatre, and owns a bar called Arbeia, named after the local Roman fort.
She is an ambassador for both Cancer Connections and Stonewall. She is an outspoken ally for LGBT+ people and has spoken out against the recent anti-immigration protests.
Alongside JADE, local restaurateur Richard Ord MBE will receive the Freedom of the Borough for his stewardship of South Shields icon Colman’s Fish & Chips.