This year’s program features an array of contributors who work constantly to champion Middlesbrough and its heritage all year round.

Co-ordinator Robert Nichols said: “We’re thrilled to present one of the most ambitious programmes in the festival’s recent history.

“We hope there is something here to appeal to everyone, with events ranging from the chance to be guided around a brand new record manufacturer to a digital walking tour around old Middlesbrough.”

The annual festival of open days, walks, talks, concerts and exhibitions features local history and prehistory spanning some 6000 years.

This Saturday (October 14) the Central Mosque opens its doors. Music goers at Twisterella Festival can take a break to learn about Muslims from around the world.

Model maker extraordinaire Steve Waller will be using his unique scale model to reveal the hidden graveyard beneath Ayresome Gardens (Sunday, October 15), while on Monday archaeologist Oliver Cook will explore pre-Victorian Middlesbrough.

On Friday, October 20, Dr Steve Sherlock will roll the clock back even further to show how he is rewriting prehistory with his discoveries of salt manufacture in Teesside going back to the Neolithic.

There is an opportunity to dig in to a free plate of tasty panacalty with Middlesbrough Environment City on Monday, October 23 and there’s a chance to soak up a new exhibition detailing the historic and lost pubs of Middlesbrough on Saturday, October 21.

In a notable event on Friday, October 27 former local history officer and prolific author Norman Moorsom makes a rare public presentation to offer a personal view of Middlesbrough's history in the very room where the first royal visitor toasted the town.

Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough’s Deputy Mayor and Executive member for  Culture & Education, said: “Middlesbrough has an amazing history and heritage, and we celebrate our achievements and aspirations all year round.

“But even those who have spent a lifetime here will still hear incredible stories and learn fascinating facts about the town we love so much."

“Discover Middlesbrough really does have something for everybody – pick up a brochure or have a look online, and get involved in one of the best programmes for years.”

 • For full details visit the Discover Middlesbrough Facebook page or look out for programmes at libraries and other venues around the town.

The programme can also be viewed via the following link: https://issuu.com/discovermiddlesbrough/docs/discovermbro_23_web