North East school children set to take centre stage in Middlesbrough FC’s 150th anniversary celebrations
School children across the region are set to bring a major cultural celebration to life this month as Middlesbrough Football Club marks its monumental 150th anniversary. Ahead of Middlesbrough FC’s home fixture against Cardiff City at the Riverside Stadium, the pitch will transform into a stage for a mass participation performance featuring more than 300 young dancers alongside talented local musicians.
Representing local schools, colleges, youth groups, dance academies, and community organisations, these young performers will showcase the vibrant energy, artistic talent, and creative ambition that thrives within North East schools. Supported using public funding from Arts Council England, the project offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local pupils to perform on one of the region’s biggest and most iconic stages.
Performing alongside the dancers is an original soundtrack composed and produced by former Tees Valley Music Service (TVMS) pupil Tom Powell. The score blends contemporary production techniques with live instrumental tracks and recorded community voices, drawing inspiration from Teesside’s shared history, industrial heritage, and rich cultural identity.
TVMS musicians, including school pupils, dedicated instrumental teachers, community choirs, and alumni, played a central role in bringing the music to life. Through recording sessions and youth voice initiatives, local school children have had direct, hands-on experience in contributing to a professional production that will be experienced by thousands of football fans.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: ““We talk a great deal about the challenges facing young people in the North East, but it’s equally important that we celebrate the extraordinary talent, creativity and ambition that exists across our region. This performance is a powerful reminder that our young people have so much to offer when they’re given the opportunity.
“What makes this particularly special is the collaboration between schools, music services, cultural organisations and the wider community. By opening up an iconic stage like the Riverside Stadium to hundreds of young people, these partnerships are creating experiences that can build confidence, broaden horizons and inspire future ambitions. We want every child in the North East to have access to opportunities that allow their talents to flourish, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Susan Robertson, Principal of Tees Valley Music Service, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be involved in such an exciting project. Music has the power to bring people together, and this collaboration is a wonderful example of that. It showcases the talent, creativity and ambition that exists across our region while providing an unforgettable opportunity for the young people and communities involved.
“It is particularly exciting to see our staff, students and alumni contributing to a project that will be experienced by thousands of people at such an important moment in Middlesbrough Football Club’s history. We look forward to seeing the performance come to life at the Riverside Stadium.”
The mass participation performance will take place at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, 17 October 2026, ahead of the 12:30pm kick-off, marking a spectacular highlight in Middlesbrough FC’s anniversary celebrations and a proud moment for North East education.