Two huge gigs have brought a boost of more than £1.9m to Middlesbrough’s economy, new figures have revealed.
More than 33,000 people flocked to the Riverside Stadium in May to see pop legends Take That light up the stage.
And a homecoming gig featuring Teesside singer-songwriter James Arthur saw more than 22,000 turn out for his ongoing tour.
Data analysis has shown the two big events brought a boost of more than £1.9million to Middlesbrough.
The numbers have been crunched using the STEAM model which estimates how much a visitor or gig-goer spends and brings to a local economy.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s been great to see how Middlesbrough and the football club have planted themselves firmly on the map when it comes to bringing global acts to Teesside.
“Having one of our own in James Arthur light up the Riverside stage was wonderful and bringing a world-renowned mega group like Take That twice to our doorstep is an achievement itself.
“These figures show how these events don’t just forge memories for a lifetime, but also bring in visitors to our towns who spend their money and spend at our region’s fantastic local businesses.”
The £1.9million figure doesn’t factor in overnight stays, or the boost to the two events brought to the wider regional economy.
More analysis is expected to show the gigs brought benefits well beyond £2million to both Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke added: “Both nights at the Riverside were absolutely brilliant and showed off Middlesbrough at its very best.
“The football club now has a great track record of delivering these huge events and they’ll live long in the memory.
“Bringing these big names to the area gives a huge boost to our hotels, restaurants and bars. They are great news for Middlesbrough town centre.
“I look forward to our town welcoming more big acts in the future.”
Middlesbrough has been no stranger to global acts in recent years with The Killers, Arctic Monkeys and Take That all joining James Arthur in playing the Riverside since 2022.
Helena Bowman, Head of Business Operations at Middlesbrough FC, said: "We work hard to bring big name acts to the Riverside and it's been an absolute joy to have two stellar performances on our turf already in 2024.
"We’re bolstering our reputation in attracting the best to the Boro – and it’s wonderful to see just how these events benefit our wider home town.”