Middlesbrough is not letting its City of Culture bid setback go to waste as plans take shape for a major year-long celebration marking the town’s 200th birthday.
Boro 2030 will run in 2030, celebrating Middlesbrough’s heritage, people and ambitions for the future.
Orange Pip market celebrated its 10th anniversary this year (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
The programme follows Middlesbrough’s failed City of Culture bid, which narrowly missed the final shortlist but sparked renewed civic pride and collaboration.
Chris Cooke, mayor of Middlesbrough, said: "We're disappointed not to have made the final four but we're proud that the bid process has brought people together around a shared ambition for Middlesbrough.
"It has shown what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves.
"We've taken knockbacks before and we’ve always come back stronger, that's just part of who we are.
"What we won't do is sit around waiting for someone else to give us an opportunity. Instead, we're going to make things happen ourselves."
Middlesbrough Mela (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
Boro 2030 will build on the bid’s strongest ideas to create a memorable year of celebrations for Middlesbrough’s 200th anniversary.
Cooke said: "We're rolling up our sleeves to go again. We'll celebrate our history, show off the talent that is going to help us thrive in the future and give our people another reason to feel proud of Middlesbrough."
Middlesbrough’s inaugural Storytelling Festival (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
Middlesbrough began as a hamlet of 25 people in 1830 before rapidly becoming an industrial powerhouse in Teesside.
Known for steelmaking and shipbuilding, Middlesbrough played a key role in the Industrial Revolution and helped shape modern Britain.
Boro 2030 will look to embrace that "Made in Middlesbrough" spirit, using culture to celebrate the town’s past while looking towards its future.
The plans include a purpose-built theatre for national touring productions, including West End shows.
Children on the Christmas Parade last year (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
Middlesbrough already has a packed cultural calendar, including Middlesbrough Art Week, the inaugural Storytelling Festival, Middlesbrough Mela, the BBC Proms at the Town Hall and celebrations for Middlesbrough Football Club’s 150th anniversary.
Boro fans march to Middlesbrough FC’s 150th anniversary game against Wolves (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
The Turner Prize is also currently being exhibited at MIMA, with the winner set to be announced from Middlesbrough in December.
Boro 2030 will use Middlesbrough’s industrial landscape for major events, connect the town with cities worldwide and draw residents and visitors to the nearby coast and countryside.
Young people from St Edward’s Primary School in Linthorpe display artwork as part of the Pieces of Us exhibition at Middlesbrough Art Week (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
The programme will also celebrate Middlesbrough’s football heritage by weaving a Boro Red thread through the town.
Ahead of the bicentenary, the council will work with Middlesbrough’s cultural sector on major events, including celebrations marking 300 years since Captain James Cook’s birth.
Boro 2030 will also support ambitions set out in the council’s recently adopted Middlesbrough Investment Prospectus, including plans to regenerate the town centre and help young people thrive.
The goal is to make Middlesbrough "the most creative place for young people to live, learn and realise their future."
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Bill Scott, chair of the Boro Culture Business Board, said: "Watching Middlesbrough’s City of Culture bid being developed has been a genuinely exciting experience.
"It has been inspiring to see Middlesbrough’s cultural sector and business community unite to promote the brilliant work happening now and our plans for the future.
"Building on that positivity will help us celebrate Middlesbrough’s landmark bicentenary."