Middlesbrough’s Cultural Ambassadors scheme launched in 2024 to create a £20,000 fund to ensure our town’s creative sector continues to thrive.

The scheme aims is to bring people, colour, light, music and creativity to our town, and deliver memorable experiences for both residents and visitors.

Ambassadors for this year included Holiday Inn Express, Leonardo Hotel, Teesside University and Stagecoach North East, who have all donated £5,000 each towards the fund. This partnership has enabled key events including the Middlesbrough Mela, Taste of Africa Carnival, Middlesbrough Pride and Middlesbrough Art Week to come alive.

David Parker, Stagecoach North East Commercial Director said: “Stagecoach is proud to be part of the Middlesbrough Cultural Ambassadors partnership.

“We’re really encouraged by this initiative, bringing businesses together to work alongside the creative sector, and enhance the town’s cultural offering.

“We collectively recognise the positive benefits this partnership brings to communities, and encourage other businesses to join the group to help further increase the diversity and scope of the cultural programme.”

Become a Cultural Ambassador
In 2025, the cultural programme will bring over a quarter of million people to Middlesbrough for a diverse range of events and you can be part of it as a valued Cultural Ambassador.

For a fee of £5,000 +VAT per year, your business can join a unique group of organisations lending their support to Middlesbrough town centre.

Funds generated through the programme will support both third-party events and those organised by Middlesbrough Council’s Cultural service.

The impact you’ll have
As a Cultural Ambassador, you’ll make a positive difference to the town by:

• Increasing visitor footfall & spend
• Generating overnight stays
• Creating jobs and employment opportunities
• Supporting happier and healthier communities by bringing them together
• Boosting the profile of Middlesbrough

Cultural Ambassador benefits 
You’ll recieve the following benefits as a Cultural Ambassador:

• Your company logo included at Middlesbrough Council’s cultural venues and selected events
• Dedicated social media posts for ambassadors during events promotion
• Inclusion in press releases and photo opportunities
• Promotion of the Cultural Ambassadors in Middlesbrough News and other e-newsletters
• Complimentary invites to selected events
• The opportunity to have your say on strategic priorities for the cultural sector
• Priority of future event sponsorship opportunities

How to apply
We are currently recruiting Cultural Ambassadors for 2025 and would love to hear from companies who are dedicated to supporting Middlesbrough’s events. 

Contact our Town Centre Events team for an informal conversation on towncente@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 729225.