stockton events guide spring / summer 2012

stocktonevents guideSpRING/SummER 2012

DELIVERING

AmAzingexperiences

2 DELIVERING AmAzing experiences

AnotherAmAzingyeAr2012 will be a fantastic year for events inStockton. It is going to be one of thebusiest calendars of activities we haveever organised and promises to offeramazing experiences for all ourresidents and visitors.

The events showcased in this leaflethighlight what a great place Stockton isand they celebrate its unique landscapesfrom busy town centres to thepicturesque riverside.

Come and watch or take part in a hugevariety of activities which start withStockton Calling on April 7th.

We are celebrating major national eventssuch as the Olympic Torch Relay and theDiamond Jubilee celebrations as well asthe international quality SIRF festival andthe adrenaline fuelled River Rat Race.

These events are complemented byspecialist markets held throughout the

year which also attract visitors fromoutside the area and help support thelocal economy.

We hope everyone will share in oursense of ambition here in Stockton. Ourevents give people an opportunity to joinin and get fit, spend their money withlocal businesses and also take pride intheir community. These are all thingswe believe ensures that the events heldhere provide value for money and reallydo deliver amazing experiences for all.You can find out more about them on ourwebsite www.stockton.gov.uk/events.

Neil SchneiderChief ExecutiveStockton-on-Tees Borough Council

DELIVERING AmAzing experiences 3

The Georgian Theatre, located in Stockton's Cultural Quarter, isplaying host to a string of top gigs in the coming months starting with

The Futureheads on Friday 6th April (£15). The Georgian Theatrehosts King Charles, Weird Shapes and many more as part of Stockton

Calling on Saturday 7th April (£12). On Saturday 5th May blues-rocksinger Pete Molinari (£8) makes his Georgian Theatre debut and on

Friday 8th June Love and Money lead singer James Grant (£10)makes a welcome return to the venue. More events are set to be

announced, check out listings at www.georgiantheatre.co.uk

the georgiAntheAtre

stockton cAlling

The Futureheads

peter molinari

The Stockton Calling music festival is set to make Easter weekend fantastic by rocking the town centre.

This year sees a new fifth venue with an acoustic stage at The Vault joining others at KU Bar,The Georgian Theatre, ARC and the Sun Inn. As we went to print Teesside’s own Young RebelSet were announced as headliners in their spiritual KU Bar home, joined by Collectors Club,The Purnells, Goy Boy McIlroy, The Unsung Heroes and The Rise.

Headlining at the Georgian is King Charles as well as the unmissable Weird Shapes, BirdIsland Temujin. The Bluebuds and Huntsville will also grace the Georgian Theatre stage withthe Woven Project appearing at The Sun whilst headlining at ARC is five-piece Yorkshire bandThe Pigeon Detectives.

Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the day. Book online www.arconline.co.uk or call(01642) 525199 or buy them in person at ARC Box Office or Green Dragon Studios.

For more announcements visit facebook.com/stocktoncalling

7th April

ARCStockton Arts Centrewww.arconline.co.uk

stockton golfchAllenge19th April 3 - 7pm

• A floating green on the River Tees.

• Win a fantastic selection of prizes

• Special prize for a hole in one

• All proceeds going to the Mayors charities

• PGA professionals in attendance for free coaching

• Find out more about taking up golf

Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for more information

THE 2012

ArcJeremy hArdy

Jeremy Hardy has been a stand-up comic since 1984and will be one until he dies or wins the lottery.

Jeremy is best known for his work on Radio 4, notablyon News Quiz, I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue and JeremyHardy Speaks to the Nation. In 2010, he published a

book, My Family and Other Strangers, chronicling hisdesperate search for interesting ancestors.

"In an ideal world, Jeremy Hardy would be extremelyfamous, but an ideal world would leave him without

most of his best material." The Guardian.

"A comic genius." Sandi Toksvig.

Starting price: £14 C:£5

01642 525199 - Box OfficeARC, Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 [email protected]

14th April 8pm

ARCStockton Arts Centrewww.arconline.co.uk


The iconic Infinity Bridge will onceagain take centre stage on Saturday

26th May as part of Infinity 2012. Theevent begins with the popular Tees

Regatta, where over 300 competitorsfrom across the region compete on amulti–lane course in races, including

the Community Boat Challenge, whichsees two novice teams compete for the

annual trophy. This is a fantasticspectacle that’s really close to the

centre of the town, so why not comedown and watch something different?

As evening draws in, different voicesfrom across Stockton’s communities

combine in a musical celebration. Theevening begins at the Princess of WalesBridge from 7.30pm where an audience

led procession will make its way toInfinity Bridge, experiencing a magical

musical soundscape along the way.Culminating at the Infinity Bridge, a

mass community choir includingschoolchildren, community groups and

families will create an upliftingatmosphere, delivering Infinite Voices,

the largest community choir celebrationthat Stockton has ever seen!

visit www.stockton.gov./events formore information. If you would like to

become involved with the choir andhave a starring role in the Infinite

Voices, please contact ArtsDevelopment on (01642) 527696 or

email [email protected]

infinityfestivAl26th May



Jubilee big lunch, 3rd June 2012

We are supporting communities, localgroups and residents in delivering theirstreet parties and community events incelebration of the Diamond Jubilee. TheStockton Events Team will be available toadvise/guide residents in the planning oftheir picnic/party.

We also inviting local primary schools tosubmit photos of their jubilee celebrationsand the most interesting entries will bepublished in the July edition of StocktonNews, which is circulated to everyhousehold in the Borough.

picnic in the park, 3rd June 2012

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee,Friends of Ropner Park host a Picnic-in-thePark on Sunday 3rd June from 12noon until4.00pm. There will be music, Zumba andother forms of dancing around the bandstand,with plenty of activities for children.

Jubilee beacons, monday 4th June 2012

A series of beacons will be lit alongside thebeautiful River Tees and will be located nearbridge structures to provide viewing pointsfor residents. The beacons will cover approx 15miles and cross a number of towns within theBorough including Yarm, Egglescliffe,Thornaby, Stockton, Billingham and PortClarence. The main Beacon will be positionedat Stockton’s iconic Infinity Bridge, which willbe illuminated (red white and blue) incelebration of the Diamond Jubilee. TheMayor will light the Infinity Beacon.

We will hold a competition to choosevolunteers to light the beacons. Look out fordetails coming soon on our website.

See www.stockton.gov.uk/eventsfor details

queen’sdiAmond Jubilee


olympictorch relAy

17th June

Look out for the Olympic Torch Relay visiting Stockton and Billingham on Sunday 17th June.

This marks the final countdown to the greatest sporting event the country will host in our

lifetime. This is an opportunity to take part in an historic event, as the Olympic Torch makes

its way through the Borough on the way south to London and the Olympic venues. The

Olympic Games are coming to you, why not come out to witness history?

Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for information on the route and what’s happening along it.

reminisce 70s@ preston pArk*

14th July

fire engine & vintAge cAr rAlly23rd & 24th June, Preston Park

One of the North’s major rallies of preserved vehicles thatregularly attracts some 400 exhibitors - with around 500items covering the history of fire-fighting from its earliesttimes to the most modern of appliances, and motoringin general terms from the 30s to the present day.

£4 (adults) & £2 (children and concessions) raisingmuch-needed funds for the Firefighters Charity.

*subject to final approval


• Backdraft Wheelie Fire Truck.

• Starduster Aerobatic display

• Swamp Thing 4X4 Monster Truck Action

• Fire Rescue Displays

• Craft Fair

• Helicopter rides

Events4fun present a brandnew 70s themed outdoor disco

event in Preston Park…

For information visitwww.reminisce70s.co.uk

Parking available

PoWEREd BY6th, 7th, 8th July


the only event in the uk featuring anelite criterium, premier calendar roadrace and sky ride.

• A whole weekend of the World’s bestriders, racing in Stockton

• Watch the pro’s compete in exciting highlevel racing in and around StocktonTown Centre in an Elite Criterium Raceon Friday 6th July

• A unique opportunity to see top cyclistscompete in both sprint and distanceevents

• A fantastic opportunity for thousands toget out on a safe closed road circuit

• Events and opportunities for all agesand levels of ability to take part in, orjust come along and enjoy.

Look out for more details as excitingelements to the event emerge…

Why not set yourself a challenge and signup to the Stockton Sportive now? Fun,non-competitive cycling. Try one of fourfantastic courses to challenge your ability,ranging from 35-95 miles. Entry includesfeeding-hydration stations, technical and1st aid support and goody bag.

Early bird rates available now (for 1st 100)- sign up via www.velo29events.com

stocktoncycling festivAl

opening ofstockton’s White WAter courseWednesday 18th July

Come and celebrate the official opening of Stockton’s White Water Course.

The UK’s newest White Water Centre is being officially opened on Wednesday 18th July. The openingceremony will be an all ticket event, with rafting and canoeing demonstrations down the newDiamond and Jubilee courses along with musical interludes to make it a truly memorable day.

Details are being finalised, and tickets will be free but limited. Look out for moreinformation on how to apply for tickets and for more information by visiting our websitewww.stockton.gov.uk/events, or see information in the local press. Information is alsoavailable from the Tourist Information Centre on 01642 528130.


look out forWeekender free fridAy

3rd - 5th August

Riverside from 6pm

visit www.stocktonweekender.co.uk for details

www.stockton.gov.uk/events DELIVERING AmAzing experiences 2


stockton high street, parishgardens, church road, trinitygardens and the riverside

The 25th Stockton International RiversideFestival promises to be the most entertaining so far, with magical performances from aroundthe globe.

During the festival the streets and public placesof Stockton will be transformed into an arenafor outstanding shows, from very large scalespectacular events to intimate experiences,making SIRF one of the highlights in the NorthEast event calendar.

The festival begins on Thursday 2nd August,when, after dark, space in Stockton High Streetwill metamorphose into a magical setting for alarge scale interpretation of the story ofPrometheus, who bestowed fire on humanityand incurred the wrath of Zeus. The scale of thissensational performance will be breathtaking.

For all the latest SIRF information please visitwww.sirf.co.uk, and ensure you visit SIRFbetween 2nd – 5th August, to enjoy streettheatre, circus, dance, music and pyrotechnicsdelivered by world class artists and performers.

CELEBRATING

YEARS2nd - 5th August

stockton golf Week

31st July - 3rd August

Another wonderful week of golf in Stockton. Come and play4 of the regions most prestigious courses whilst enjoying

some friendly competition and wonderful hospitality atdiscounted prices offering excellent value for money. The

Stockton Golf Week really is an experience to be savoured.

If you would like more information on how to enter the 2012Stockton Golf Week, including advice on accommodation

please visit e-mail [email protected],contact us on (01642) 528130 or visit

www.stockton.gov.uk/golfweek

48th billinghAm internAtionAlfolklore festivAl10th - 18th August

the festival of traditional and contemporary world dance, music and arts.

Each year Billingham transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour and joie de vivre and becomesa “meeting place” for world cultures, showcasing the diversity and richness of the Worldtraditional and contemporary cultures through dance, music, songs, costumes and crafts atperformances, parades, exhibitions, and workshops, presenting over 300 best internationalperformers from 8-10 countries from all over the World.

If you enjoy dance and music and like meeting people from all over the World then thisFestival is for YOU!

Come and join us at our Billingham Festival of FUN and FRIENdSHIP!

www.billinghamfestival.co.uk



tAke to the tees

take to the tees is back!This festival celebrates the many aspects of the

River Tees from peaceful walks along the riverside toaction-packed races speeding through the water,

thrilling spectators in Stockton’s unique landscape.

8 days of river based watersport activities, with tastersessions in everything from powerboats to canoes

Visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events for details

21st - 28th August

19th August


stockton

triAthlon

mini: 250m ‘pool’ swim - 13k cycle - 3k run(ideal for first timers and anyone wanting to take up the triathlon challenge)

sprint: 750m ‘river’ swim - 24k cycle - 5k run

standard: 1500m ‘river’ swim - 40k cycle - 10k run

Team or individual entries welcome

for more information and online entry please call(01642) 526274 or visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

26th & 27th August 11am - 5pm


entry price: £4 Adults, £2 children and senior citizens. free for the under 5's

• Brand New Food Festival with cookerydemonstrations from local chefs andthe 'World Parmo' competition

• The Devil's Horsemen Jousting andCossack display, Falconry display,fun dog show, sheep show

• Get your photo taken with Star WarsImperial Forces

Also: Charity tug o' war and under 8's,football competitions, helicopter rides,traditional Punch and Judy and magicshows, 'Stockton Challenges' and It's aKnockout competition, craft fair, kids’crafts competitions and prizes

For more details tel. (01642) 527345or e-mail [email protected] orvisit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

stockton

summer shoW


speciAlistmArketsJoin us for our celebration of the best of outdoor shopping.

Stockton has always been the choice of the discerning market shopper thanksto our historic 700 year old market. Held every Wednesday, Friday andSaturday, our market traders offer the best fresh food, clothes, cards, DVDs,ornaments and much more at bargain prices.

but this year is going to be even better!

We’re hosting a range of specialist markets throughout the year – includingfarmers’ markets, craft fairs, Chic & Vintique (vintage clothes, collectables andmore) and the all day World Market.

saturday 14 April craft fair 10am-4pm, Parish Gardens

saturday 21 April chic vintique 10am-4pm, Parish Gardens

saturday 28 April farmers’ market 9am-2pm, Wellington Square

saturday 26 may farmers’ market 9am-2pm, Wellington Square

saturday 30 June farmers’ market 9am-2pm, Wellington Square

saturday 14 July craft fair 10am-4pm, Parish Gardens

saturday 21 July chic vintique 10am-4pm, Parish Gardens

saturday 18 August the play, read and collect fair 10am-4pm

friday 21 september World market High Street

to take a stall at any of the above markets call (01642) 527568 or visitwww.stockton.gov.uk/markets

spring/summerevents listing


event date location

Stockton Calling (live Music) 7th April Various locations across Stockton

Stockton Golf Challenge 19th April Riverside Stockton

Infinity Festival 26th May Infinity Bridge, Stockton

Queen’s diamond Jubilee 3rd - 5th June Various locations across Stockton

olympic Torch Relay 17th June Billingham & Stockton

Fire Engine & Vintage Car Rally 23rd & 24th June Preston Park

Cycling Festival 6th - 8th July Stockton Town Centre & Riverside

White Water Course opening 18th July White Water Course, Tees Barrage

Stockton Golf Week 31st July - 3rd Aug Various Golf Courses

SIRF 2nd - 5th August Stockton Town Centre

Stockton Weekender 3rd - 5th August Riverside, Stockton

Billingham Folklore Festival 10th - 18th Aug Billingham Town Centre

Triathlon 19th August Riverside, Stockton

Rat Race 26th August Riverside, Stockton

Stockton Summer Show 26th - 27th August Preston Park

For more information on the fantastic events across Stockton Borough, both thelarge scale ones highlighted in this guide, and numerous smaller excitingevents happening throughout spring and summer across the whole Borough,please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events

The events listed in this brochure are subject to change. We reserve the right to alter or cancel any event. For more information see www.stockton.gov.uk/events.

stockton events guide spring / summer 2012

Documents