TUNE INTO TOP ENTERTAINMENT

PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC

If you're mad about music, be sure to make a date to visit the Tees Valley, which resounds to the tuneful delights of music makers galore. Old and new, traditional home-grown sounds or exotic treats from the far corners of the globe, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Big bands, brass bands and silver bands occupy the bandstands for the kind of open-air entertainment we've enjoyed for over a hundred years, whether they're belting out rousing marches, old favourites or show tunes.

Folk and street musicians give us another kind of al fresco enjoyment, some celebrating centuries-old traditions of song, others giving their renditions of popular chart hits.

The classics have their place, of course, with orchestral performances to thrill and delight. Up and coming young players take their turn in the spotlight for some concerts, seasoned professionals give a mix of old favourites and more rarely-heard pieces in others.

Whilst those under the conductor's eye remain firmly unplugged, the electric sounds of more modern music give players of anything from 70s pop to good old rhythm and blues their chance to turn up the volume and encourage the audience to dance the night away.

For sheer enjoyment, nothing beats live music. And for live music, nowhere beats the Tees Valley.

Upcoming highlights include:

Hold Tight It's 70s Night, 17th July 2007.
Showaddywaddy, Boney M and Abbaforever in the grounds of Ormesby Hall.

Saltburn International Folk Festival of Music, Dance and Song, 10th-12th August 2007.
Performers galore celebrate traditional music at venues all over this Victorian seaside town.

BBC Proms in the Park, 8th September 2007.
A satellite performance of this famous annual event comes to Middlesbrough for the first time, with the Northern Sinfonia taking centre stage.

Darlington Rhythm 'n' Brews, 13th-16th September 2007.
An unbeatable combination of great music and real ale culminating in a free festival in the market square.