Six awesome events to enjoy in Stockton-on-Tees this summer

From thrilling sporting events to music, comedy and carnivals, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's exciting programme of events has something for everyone to enjoy.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Bob Cook, said: "There's all sorts of exciting events taking place in the next few months and the variety on offer means that people of all interests will have something to look forward to.

"World-class events such as our annual Stockton International Riverside Festival, Cycling Festival and specialist markets, as well as those across the Tees Valley, are always hugely popular and help boost the local economy by attracting visitors who support local businesses and independent traders.  

"And we're also seeing further evidence of these economic benefits at the new Hampton by Hilton hotel, which is reporting surges in bookings during SIRF week, Radio 1's Big Weekend and the Great North CityGames. We've got a busy calendar of events ahead and we're really looking forward to welcoming everyone."

Here's what's in store:  

Stockton Stages
Stockton town centre, Thursday 6 June - Saturday 8 June

Now in its third year, Stockton Stages music and comedy festival offers free and ticketed performances in venues across Stockton town centre. Free family entertainment can be found at the outdoor stage on Stockton High Street while ticketed shows are taking place at ARC and Ku Bar.

For the full line-up, further information and tickets visit www.stocktonstages.co.uk

Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show
Preston Park Museum and Grounds, Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June

Over 300 vehicles of all varieties will be on display at Preston Park, including the largest number of restored fire appliances in one place in the North of England. Enjoy live motoring displays and performances from Bolddog Lings freestyle motorcycle stunt team and the Paul Hanman quad bike stunt show, plus plenty of fun activities to entertain the whole family throughout the weekend.

Stockton Cycling Festival
Stockton Riverside, Saturday 13 July - Sunday 14 July

Celebrate all things cycling as the annual festival returns to Stockton's Riverside and town centre.

Riders of all abilities can sign up for Let's RideStockton on Sunday 14 July, a free and unique chance to ride around Stockton Riverside on traffic-free roads. Visitors can also watch Britain's top cycling teams and riders compete in Stockton Grand Prix.

A variety of free family activities will take place throughout the day in the Events Village, while some of the UK's best stunt riders will go head-to-head in the Extreme Bike Battle stunt show.

The action gets under way with the Sportive on Saturday 13 July, offering cyclists of all ability a choice of four routes ranging from 36 to 106 miles. Every ride departs from Stockton Riverside with an escorted start, just like the 'Tour De France', and the routes take in the beautiful scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors.

Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF)
Stockton town centre, Thursday 1 August - Sunday 4 August

Stockton International Riverside Festival returns to Stockton-on-Tees in August bringing new experiences, surprises and delights. With more than 100 shows on offer, including the annual Community Carnival, this free event includes UK premieres and is always a highlight on the events calendar.

Great North CityGames and Simplyhealth Great Tees 10k 

Stockton High Street and Riverside, Saturday 7 September

Stockton will be transformed as it hosts the action-packed Great North CityGames event for the first time in the Tees Valley. Watch world-class athletes from around the globe compete alongside the very best home-grown talent in the heart of Stockton town centre. The event will be broadcast live on BBC1.

The CityGames are part of an action packed day with the opportunity for people to take part in the Simplyhealth Great Tees 10k, 

These are just a handful of a packed year-round programme of distinctive events. Don't miss out on these specialist markets too:

Record Fair
Stockton town centre, Saturday 1 June

In association with Record Fairs Up North, this specialist market is the perfect place to pick up collectable rare and classic vinyls at bargain prices. There will be a range of traders selling everything from records, CDs and music DVDs of all genres, to books, magazines, turntables and classic memorabilia - making it the perfect introduction to the following week's Stockton Stages music and comedy festival.

Ka-Pow! Sci-Fi specialist market and Fun Day
Stockton high street, Saturday 6 July

A must for all Sci-Fi fans, traders at the comic-book themed Ka-Pow! will be selling a range of sci-fi, TV and film related toys, action figures and collectables. Come along and meet some special guests and characters from fan-favourite TV shows and films.