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
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 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
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 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
Search What's On
Itinerary Planner
Use our itinerary planner to build your own journey or choose from a range of pre-selected tours.
