Arctic Monkeys’ Cool Concert Kicks Off Summer of Fun

Sheffield’s famous sons, the Arctic Monkeys raised the roof at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on Monday, wowing a some 32,000-strong crowd with their distinct brand of indie rock.

There was a buzz in the air as crowds packed the fan zone, taking advantage of food and drink vans offering everything from doughnuts to Greek food, Prosecco and Pimms to beer. Visit Tees Valley was also on the ground with a foliage wall to champion the region to visitors.

The fun wasn’t limited to the Riverside, with the whole of Boro joining in before and after the gig, with these events and others bringing in an estimated £1million to the region.

Rafferty’s Bar on the town’s trendy Baker Street held pre-drinks and live music from 4pm with local guitarist Reece Vidamour, while you could party all day in Hit the Bar in Middlehaven, with pre- and post- drinks taking place from 1pm to late. The Dickens kept the party going with a ticketed unofficial afterparty from 11pm to 3am, along with Stereo Club.

This is just the beginning of a great summer of action right across Tees Valley. Britpop legends James are the next big band to hit the area, supported by Editors and Maximo Park, at Darlington’s Mowden Park on Saturday 5 August.

Hartlepool’s Tall Ships Races 2023 is one of the UK’s biggest free events this year, with the excitement not limited to the waves. Maximo Park will be kicking off the weekend, from 6 to 9 July, which will also include some of the region’s local bands, as well as performances, stalls and the Tower of Light pyrotechnics display.

Tees Valley’s regular packed schedule of festivals this summer includes Middlesbrough Mela, one of the biggest and most spectacular multicultural festivals in the North East. It will be back with food, drink, performances, music and more in Albert Park on 12 & 13 of August.

The Festival of Thrift’s celebration of sustainable living will take place in the new location of Billingham this September. Ethical enterprises such as local makers, food producers, artisans, upcyclers, fixers and recyclers, craftspeople and artists will be once again out in force for a weekend of workshops and entertainment on 23 & 24 September

Taste of Africa is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year, with the vibrant showcase and celebration of African culture continuing to bring communities together and build knowledge of history and heritage. Its Africa Caribbean parade and carnival will be hitting Middlesbrough on 26 August ahead of the main event in Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday 21 October.

Whatever your tastes, there’s something for you to enjoy in Tees Valley all year round – for more ideas check out our website!

For more images from the Arctic Monkeys concert, scroll along below.