Middlesbrough is getting ready to host another huge event as the town cements its reputation for hosting top musicians.
Take That played at the Riverside Stadium on May 24, while hometown boy James Arthur performs this Saturday.
The Riverside is now into its fourth summer as a base for large scale music events - Mancunian legends Take That first played in 2019 followed by US rock stars The Killers, while indie icons Arctic Monkeys sold out the stadium last year.
The events have been described as a “huge boost” for the town, with research carried out last summer showing that the Arctic Monkeys gig boosted Middlesbrough’s economy by almost £1m.
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive Member for Regeneration at Middlesbrough Council, said: “We’re excited to welcome Take That and their legion of fans this month, while I know that James Arthur playing to his hometown crowd at the Riverside will be a massive, emotional occasion.
“The economic boost we saw from last year’s event shows what it means for the town to host these big events - the associated spend that tens of thousands of music fans will help our businesses succeed and puts money into the pockets of local families.
Tens of thousands of gig-goers are expected at each event, and key advice has been issued for those travelling to stadium for both events:
How to get there
A dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone will be set up close to Middlesbrough College in a one-way system clearly signposted from the A66, using postcode TS2 1AD.
Drivers are unable to get close to the stadium from 11am on both days, and where possible visitors are encouraged to use public transport or park in Middlesbrough town centre and walk to the stadium.
More information about parking is available on the We are Middlesbrough website.
Finding the correct entrance
Ticket holders can only enter the stadium at the entrance point indicated on their ticket.
For those sitting in the West Stand and West Accessible, and South Stand Seating, use ENTRANCE 1. All hospitality ticket holders use a separate entrance closely adjacent to Entrance 1.
For Pitch Standing use ENTRANCE 2, on the south side of the stadium.
Those sitting in the East Stand and Accessible seating in the East and South Stand use ENTRANCE 3.
Fan village info
Fan Villages are open from 3.30pm and located outside the west and east stands of the stadium. From 5pm, concourse food and drink outlets are also open.
There are no cash machines on site, and card payments at the stalls are preferred.
Getting home
Towards the end of each event, in the interest of road and pedestrian safety, there will be no access to the Riverside Stadium from the A66 in either direction.
If you are being collected by car, drivers are strongly urged to use the drop-off and pick-up zone.
James Arthur will play his biggest headline show to date on Saturday, June 8, supported by McFly and Lauran Hibberd.
A small number of tickets are still available for both events from Ticketmaster.
Details of what can be expected from each event can be found on the Middlesbrough Football Club website.