Ten top events to enjoy in Stockton-on-Tees Borough this year

Thrilling sporting events, themed specialist markets and the return of Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) are just some of the exciting events taking place in Stockton-on-Tees Borough this year.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "Our annual events programme is always hugely popular and we are delighted to bring some favourites back this year including SIRF, the Cycling Festival and Stockton Sparkles, alongside our diverse specialist markets programme.

"As well as the extensive Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, we've got a busy calendar of events happening across the Borough over the next few months and the variety on offer means that people of all interests and ages will have something to enjoy. We're really looking forward to seeing you there."

Love Your Local Market & Young Traders Market

Saturday 21 May, 10am-3pm
Stockton High Street
Celebrate Stockton's market heritage at the annual Love Your Local Market with a free family fun-day with activities including face painting, goodie bags, meet and greet with costumed princes and princesses, and browse a selection of fantastic local market traders with a variety of products to sample and purchase. Visitors can also show their support to the Borough's aspiring entrepreneurs at Stockton's local heat of the Young Traders Market competition, in partnership with the National Market Traders Federation, where young people will be competing to test their business ideas with the opportunity to advance to the regional final at Darlington on Saturday 23 July.

Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show

Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 June, 11am-5pm
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
The Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show is back, bringing two fun-filled days out for all the family and more than 300 impressive vehicles, live stunts and activities including Big Pete and Grim Reaper Monster Truck Show and Broke FMX Freestyle Motocross Display. Tickets available at the gate.

Kapow Sci-Fi Market

Saturday 2 July, 9.30am-3pm
Stockton High Street
A must for all Sci-Fi fans, the comic-book themed Kapow Sci-Fi Market will host unique traders selling sci-fi, TV and film related toys, action figures and collectables. Along with the chance to snap up memorabilia, families and visitors of all ages can enjoy entertainment as well as TV and film character appearances.

Stockton Cycling Festival

Sunday 3 July, 9am-5pm
Stockton Riverside
Stockton Cycling Festival returns for its 10th year with a line-up full of activity including elite racing, cycling challenges for all abilities, stunts, demonstrations and Cycling Festival returns for its 10th year with a line-up full of activity including elite racing, cycling challenges for all abilities, stunts, demonstrations and free fun  family activities. Don't forget to sign up for the Stockton Sportive on Saturday 2 July where three stunning routes are on offer for beginners and more experienced riders. Visit the Velo29 Stockton Sportive website to sign up.

SIRF 2022

Thursday 4 - Sunday 7 August, various times
Stockton Town Centre, Trinity Green, Riverside and Tees Barrage
Stockton International Riverside Festival returns for four, free days of awe-inspiring street theatre, music, dance and outdoor arts showcasing magical and quirky performances, to stunning visual experiences, daring dance and spectacular circus. Always a festival highlight, the Community Carnival will return on Sunday 7 August transforming the High Street into a sea of colour and music. Visit the SIRF website for more details.

Stockton & Darlington Railway 197th Anniversary Specialist Market

Saturday 24 September, 9.30am-3pm
Stockton High Street
The perfect event for all railway enthusiasts, this specialist market in partnership with Friends of Stockton and Darlington Railway will host a range of exhibitors and traders selling and showing railway related displays, gifts and memorabilia to commemorate the events of 1825.

Halloween Spooky Walk

Sunday 30 October
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
Chilling adventures await this Halloween, with plenty for children and families to stumble across as they creep around Preston Park's woods. This is a family event suitable for all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 13 November, various times
Towns across the Borough
Communities across the Borough will pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday with services held across the area to remember those who gave their lives in both World Wars and more recent conflicts.

Stockton Sparkles

Thursday 24 November- Sunday 13 December, various times
Stockton High Street
Pop down to Stockton High Street for festive fun and entertainment as Stockton Sparkles winter festival returns for another year. Get into the spirit with this year's highlights, which include:

• Launch and Christmas Lights Switch-On - Thursday 24 November
• Christmas Market - Thursday 1 December - Sunday 4 December
• Christmas Lantern Parade - Sunday 4 December
• Christmas Sing-a-long - Saturday 10 December

Santa on Wheels

Thursday 15 December - Sunday 18 December, various times
Routes across the Borough
Santa's special open-top bus will once again set off on a tour across Stockton-on-Tees this winter. Expect plenty of festive cheer and party music to get you well and truly in the mood for Christmas - all lead by the big man in red himself!

Visit the Enjoy Tees Valley website for further information on these events and more.

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