Middlesbrough is looking forward to a summer of unmissable events and festivals which will entertain more than a quarter of a million people.
And the town’s cultural scene is only going to get stronger with the support of four key businesses and institutions.
Middlesbrough Council launched the Cultural Ambassadors scheme to create a £20,000 fund to help the creative sector continue to plan and deliver outstanding events across the town.
Ambassadors for this year include Holiday Inn Express, Leonardo Hotel, Teesside University and Stagecoach North East, which have all donated £5,000 each towards the fund.
Cllr Philippa Storey, the Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Culture, said: “We would like to thank our Cultural Ambassadors for their support.
“Each year, Middlesbrough Council works in partnership with a range of creative and community organisations to deliver a vibrant programme of events which brings people, colour, light, music and creativity to our town and delivers memorable experiences for residents and visitors.
“Support from our Cultural Ambassadors ensures Middlesbrough maintains and grows its fantastic programme of cultural events and festivals.”
The 2024 programme will attract 250,000 people to the town for a diverse range of events including the much-loved Middlesbrough Mela, Taste of Africa Carnival, Middlesbrough Pride, Middlesbrough Art Week and more.
Laura Telford, General Manager at Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough, said: “We're absolutely delighted to be Cultural Ambassadors, supporting our local area is very important to us and this ties in very well with our other commitments.”
Emma Birkett, Hotel Manager at Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough, said: “The Leonardo Hotel team are proud to support the Cultural Ambassador program. We aim to put Middlesbrough firmly on the map as a diverse and culturally vibrant town.”
Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said: “Stagecoach North East are delighted to be helping sponsor these events through the course of the year, helping to keep Middlesbrough a vibrant place to visit.”
Michelle Eaves, Assistant Director (Corporate Campaigns) at Teesside University, said: "The University is delighted to be contributing to the much-loved cultural events programme in Middlesbrough, as a long-standing supporter and a close partner of Middlesbrough Council, this was the best next step forward."
Businesses and stakeholders can sign up now to become an ambassador for our 2025 season of events. Contact lisa_templeman@middlesbrough.gov.uk if you would like to express an interest.