James Arthur Returns Home To Play Riverside As Only Stadium In World Tour

Teessider James Arthur will return home to play the Riverside Stadium next summer as part of his world tour.

The singer will play at the home of Middlesbrough FC on 8 June to kickstart a summer season of blockbuster events in the region.

Almost 30,000 people are set to flock to the Riverside as part of the Bitter Sweet Love tour.

The songwriter will be supported by special guests McFly and Lauran Hibberd. Tickets go on sale Friday 10 November at 9am here

James said: “It’s truly unbelievable. I don’t think that I can put it into words.

“As someone who came to the Riverside as a young lad with a season ticket and walked through the turnstiles, it’s just crazy to think that people are going to be walking through the turnstiles to watch me perform.

“It’s very much like the end of a movie, a full circle moment. It has been bit of a pipe dream of mine to play my team’s ground; I’m really honoured.”.

The news follows the announcement of James’ fifth studio album Bitter Sweet Love – out January 26, 2024, on Columbia Records and a major world tour, in which multiple dates including UK arenas, sold out instantly.

Helena Bowman, Head of Business Operations at Middlesbrough FC, said: “This is another great act we’ve attracted to Middlesbrough, and it’s a real delight to see James returning home to Teesside to wow his adoring home crowds.

“This latest announcement goes to show how we’re serious about attracting the best to the region – and it all goes to help boost our town even more. I for one can’t wait to have him in front of a packed stadium.”

The announcement comes after Take That were unveiled as playing the home of the Boro in 2024.

Big crowds have enjoyed some stellar acts in the stadium of late. The Arctic Monkeys wowed adoring fans in June, while The Killers went down a storm in 2022.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “The news that James Arthur is playing a hometown concert is fantastic for local music fans and will be a great celebration of one of our own true Teesside success stories.

“After the recent announcement of Take That, next year will see not just one huge gig next year but two and these events shows how we’re attracting the biggest and best names to Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool.

“Alongside a great night, these concerts also provide a multi-million-pound boost to our local businesses by bringing in visitors to spend their money at our superb bars, restaurants, hotels and shops.”

Hospitality packages are also available, direct from MFC. Please email [email protected] to register your interest.