UNCOVERING MIDDLESBROUGH’S PAST TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE

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Written by Naomi Tesfaye

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Published on 22/04/2025

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A popular event celebrating Middlesbrough’s rich history and heritage returns next month.

Middlesbrough Local History Month is a showcase of the people, events and feats that give the town its unique character.

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This year’s theme – Uncovering Middlesbrough’s Past To Shape Our Future – explores how the town’s remarkable social and industrial history have paved the way for the bold and ambitious Middlesbrough of the 21^st century.

A packed programme – supported with a Borderlands Creative Communities Award – runs from Thursday, May 1 to Saturday, May 31, and all are invited to join in the fun.

New additions for 2025 include immersive Middlesbrough Uncovered tours, with participants guided by community voices to see the town through their eyes and walk in their shoes.

Local History Month Director Robert Nichols said: “This is a brilliant annual opportunity to explore, discover and learn together and uncover the community history of Middlesbrough.

“It’s all about sharing our heritage, with a feast of dates to conjure with, new facts to learn and stories to amaze and inspire.

“None of it would be possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers and community groups, and the support of the local authority.

“The history of Middlesbrough is all about overcoming hurdles of adversity and constant reinvention, and the progress being made right now mirrors the achievements of times past in a town which sees no limit to its ambition.

“Local History Month 2025 is a passport to explore the town and the borough and soak in our unique heritage in a spirit of positivity and enlightenment.

“I’m especially grateful to our funders Borderlands and the Arts Council without whose incredible support this festival would not be possible, and to Steve Thompson and the Rekindle project for all their work in bringing history to the people.”

2025 marks the bicentenary of the world’s first steam passenger railway between Stockton and Darlington, with an extension of the line to a new deep-water port – Port Darlington – leading to the founding of Middlesbrough in 1830

As the town approaches its bicentenary, Local History Month explores its many reincarnations, from Ironopolis to world-renowned steel and chemicals hub, through a programme of open days and guided tours which aim to make its history accessible and open to as many as possible.

Rekindle have also curated a series of virtual guided walks that can be enjoyed from the comfort of a computer screen in libraries and the Live Well Centre.

Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Education & Culture, said: “Everyone who has a connection to Middlesbrough knows some of the town’s history, but there are always new discoveries to be made.

“Our town was forged in the white heat of the industrial revolution, and has ridden countless challenges to remain a proud and forward-looking powerhouse with big plans for the future.

“Local History Month is an amazing opportunity to celebrate a remarkable heritage, learn something new and help spread the word about our incredible home.”