Expanded BBC Proms will 'reach new communities'

BBC Proms is returning to the north-east of England for the fifth year.

Once again gracing The Glasshouse in Gateshead, this edition will also host events at the Fire Station in Sunderland and Middlesbrough Town Hall.

With performances, workshops and activities taking place across the region, BBC Proms said it hoped the new activity will play "a vital role in reaching new communities and widening access across the region".

The programme includes collaborations between the Royal Northern Sinfonia and South Tyneside-born Nadine Shah, as well as a performance by The Unthanks, also from Tyneside.

Chief executive of the Glasshouse International Centre for Music Fraser Anderson said: "It's brilliant to see the BBC Proms in the North East growing year on year.

"What started here in Gateshead has become three days of music that stretches across the region and brings people together for live music of all kinds."

The Unthanks, plus special guests, open the festival at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 23 July, while BBC Introducing artists take to the stage at Sage Two at the Glasshouse.

General manager at Middlesbrough Town Hall Kesia Bruce said: "It's a landmark moment for the venue and for our town and one that builds on our strong musical heritage.

"We're proud to be part of such a world-renowned celebration of music and we look forward to welcoming audiences to experience an unforgettable evening of live music."

BBC Young Composer workshops will also be taking place at myplace in Middlesbrough, which is designed for young people making their own music in any genre with the aim of trying out new ideas and building confidence.

Ben Houchen, Conservative Tees Valley Mayor, said: "This event ensures that people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can experience the Proms on their own doorstep, while also championing one of our outstanding local venues and delivering an important boost to our local economy."

On 24 July, Mercury-nominated Shah will make her Proms debut on the concourse of the Glasshouse.

"It's high art, it's fancy, call me 'Nadine Shah lah-delah'," the singer said.

"It's about time, on the Tyne."

The festival then moves to Sunderland on 25 July with Royal Northern Sinfonia: Mozart and Mendelssohn.

Venue director at The Fire Station Tamsin Austin said: "Hearing world class orchestral music up close, in the outstanding acoustics of our intimate concert hall, is a huge treat and we are really looking forward to sharing it with audiences."

Concerts across the weekend will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Labour North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said it is the Proms' "biggest programme yet" in the North East.

"This is about creating real opportunity for our artists, our communities and our young people, showing just how far their talent can take them," she said.

"This festival shows the confidence and creativity of our North East."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.