At a Glance - big boro events

Middlesbrough has a grand calendar of events, including some regional headliners that draw in international visitors. We've put together a summary of all the main annual events, so you can avoid missing out on some of the big dos. All the annual highlights are listed below, but also keep an eye out for Middlesbrough Town Hall's rolling line up. Previous acts include Jimmy Carr, Oasis, The Undertones and Van Morrison.

FEBRUARY

Animex FestivalAnimex

Animex is a big fancy festival run by the University of Teesside. It's possibly one of the most exciting university events in the country - where else can you hang out with famous animators like the producers of the Simpsons and Bob the Builder? Includes screenings, talks, exhibitions and discussion forums.

JUNE

Middlesbrough Music LiveMiddlesbrough Music Live

Middlesbrough Music Live is widely regarded as one of the most innovative pop and rock music events in the North. The event gets everybody rocking across Middlesbrough, with non-stop live, electric sing-song in the town centre, parks, pubs and clubs. Acts in the past have included Keane, the Ordinary Boys, the Darkness, Razorlight, and Kasabian.

JULY

Performer at Middlesbrough Mela (Photo by Kev Howard)Middlesbrough Mela

Middlesbrough's answer to the Notting Hill Carnival, Middlesbrough Mela is a full day eclectic festival of Asian cookery, music, dance and entertainment. The Mela's not just for the Asian community; it's designed to appeal to anyone who likes a big community knees up.

Middlesbrough Sports Mela

A great opportunity to try out many fitness activities. This is a FREE event.

Cleveland Show

The Cleveland Show is an annual agricultural extravaganza set in Middlesbrough's Stewart Park. The show is the largest event of the year and attracts a strong 10 000 plus crowd. The programme includes craft stalls, displays and all sorts of competitions - there are classes for plants, animals, vegetables and vintage machinery.

Party in the Park

Every year Ormsby Hall invite everyone to picnic in the moonlight and jive to the sounds of 70s music in a big open air event. Set in the Hall's glorious grounds, come along and re-enact disco's finest moments. Dress code is strictly sequins and afros.

OCTOBER

Captain Cook Memorial WindowCaptain Cook Celebrations

Each year Middlesbrough celebrates the birth of the town's famous explorer with a series of events. Don't miss out on all sorts of re-enactments, exhibitions and historic ceremonies.

Boro Buzz

It's all about the buzz! Boro Buzz is one week jam packed with cures for autumn boredom: from powerboating to pop, fitness to filmmaking, dance to DJ-ing. There's It's A Knock-out, basketball tournaments, fun days, gymnastics, football quizzes and tang soo do.

DECEMBER

Christmas Celebrations

Highlights include celebrity lights switch ons, a continental market, santa, skating rink, reindeer parades and late night shopping, of course.

Useful Links

BBC Tees - Middlesbrough Mela, Full Guide

 

 

 

 

Search What's On

Itinerary Planner

Use our itinerary planner to build your own journey or choose from a range of pre-selected tours.