Middlesbrough Council’s Cultural Ambassadors scheme has once again created a £20,000 fund to help the creative sector continue to plan and deliver outstanding events across the town.
Ambassadors for 2025 include Holiday Inn Express, Thirteen Group, 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: “I want to say a massive thank you for the support we’ve received from every one of our Cultural Ambassadors. We work with a wide range of creative and community organisations every year to deliver a vibrant and diverse programme of events which illuminates Middlesbrough with colour, light, music and creativity.
“It importantly also helps to attract visitors to the town and delivers memorable experiences for our residents. The support from our Cultural Ambassadors ensures Middlesbrough maintains and grows that fantastic programme of cultural events and festivals
The full 2025 programme attracted a quarter of a million people to the town for a diverse range of events which include Middlesbrough Mela, the Taste of Africa at Orange Pip, Middlesbrough Pride, Middlesbrough Art Week and a special town centre pop-up by the team behind the popular Nightfall in Stewart Park.
Laura Sillars, Director of MIMA and Dean of Culture and Creativity at Teesside University, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for art and culture in Middlesbrough as we look ahead to celebrating the creativity and communities that have shaped the town for almost 200 years at the bicentenary in 2030.
“Likewise, MIMA hosting the Turner Prize in 2026 will bring one of the world’s most distinguished prizes for contemporary art to Middlesbrough and put a spotlight on our thriving arts scene.
“Therefore, we’re both delighted and proud to be involved in the Cultural Ambassador Programme as it will enable us to play a key role in supporting a range of activities which help to ensure the vibrant and diverse cultural community can continue to further develop and thrive.”
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Kathryn Whittle, director of corporate affairs at Thirteen, said: “Supporting this programme is an investment in the strength and vibrancy of our communities. At Thirteen, we’re committed not only to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive but also to empowering our customers to celebrate the rich diversity of the areas we serve.
“We’re proud to play a part in bringing people together to promote inclusion and understanding. Following our sponsorship of the Hartlepool Pride event last month, we’re excited to continue that celebration with our customers in Middlesbrough at events like Middlesbrough Mela, Middlesbrough Pride and the Christmas Lights Switch-On.”
Colin Newbury, Operations Director for Stagecoach North East, said: “It’s great to be part of something so key to the local people and businesses in the Tees Valley, an area which is a focus for our businesses’ investment and community engagement.
“Embracing diversity in the local area should be celebrated, and we’re delighted to be part of it alongside Middlesbrough Council.”
Laura Telford and Vicky Scott, from the Holiday Inn Express Middlesbrough, said: “As a town centre hotel, we’re perfectly placed to see the positive impact these cultural events have in Middlesbrough – especially those hosted in Centre Square, right on our doorstep.
“Supporting these initiatives not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Middlesbrough’s reputation as a thriving cultural destination. We’re committed to playing our part in helping the town grow and shine.”
Get involved
Businesses and stakeholders can sign up now to become an ambassador for our 2026 season of events. Contact michelle_eaves@middlesbrough.gov.uk if you would like to express an interest.
