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MIDDLESBROUGH'S amazing array of attractions are being promoted for a sizzling Summer of Fun.

The town that brought Radio One's Big Weekend and Take That to Teesside has a whole host of events and activities for all the family.

Albert Park is the place to be on August 17 and 18 as the Mela returns offering a vibrant celebration of world class music covering a rich mix of hip hop, Bhangra and traditional Asian sounds; a global arts village; food court; bazaar; street theatre, and family fun entertainment.

The hotly anticipated Cleveland Show returns again to Stewart Park on Saturday, July 27 once again featuring tonnes of animal categories along with a spectacular bicycle stunt team along with super fun kids activities.

Also on July 27 is Middlesbrough's famous Orange Pip Market. The fab team from the Orange Pip Art Collective are at every event, and are always on hand with crafty fun for little ones to get their hands messy with stamping, glitter, painting and there's always something different to have a go at each month.

Albert Park are running Buggy Walks throughout the summer for new parents and tiny tots, head along on Wednesdays between 10am-11am for a great way to meet new friends and get some gentle exercise. There's also ‘learn to ride your bike' sessions for kids taking place from the Monday, July 29, what better place to get pedalling than one of the region's most beautiful parks.

Dorman Museum has a new exhibition - Safari - opening on Wednesday, July 24.

Visitors can set up camp in the Safari tent and from there head out to explore wild habitats from the savanna to the deep jungle and meet the animals that live there. From beetles to buffalo, and lions to giraffes, Safari will take you on an unforgettable journey of animal discovery. The exhibition takes inspiration from the museum's opening 115 years ago when most of the galleries were dedicated to Natural History.

At Captain Cook Birthplace Museum there's plenty of themed activities happening all summer that fans of ships, and pirates will love. Craft sessions include; a sailor hand puppet class, pirate family fun day, animal handling and animal stories plus don't miss the kids museum yoga - a fun and friendly class with gentle moves to help with co-ordination, balance and core that's important in early development.

It wouldn't be a summer of fun run down without some indoor ideas for wet days! Thankfully, there's a load of places to take cover yet still have a fun-filled day out, without needing any wellies.

The Rainbow Centre has a soft play centre and Our Fun House in Victoria Street has a three level fun frame plus go karts, ideal for ages up to 12 years.

The petting barn at Newham Grange Farm is filled with animals including guinea pigs, rabbits and pygmy goats, why not visit them before heading to the indoor soft play - and don't miss the fantastic new mini library that has lots of farmyard and animal-themed story books to read.

And that's not forgetting the fantastic shopping for rainy days in Middlesbrough town centre with everything from the Disney Store to Smiggle and the Entertainer to Forbidden Planet - plus the diverse food offer which has something for everyone including little tastebuds.

Cllr Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: "As a mum of two primary school-aged kids I know it can be a bit of a challenge to keep children entertained throughout the summer holidays.

"However there really is so much to do this summer in Middlesbrough - from a picnic in one of our parks through to major cultural events such as the Mela.

"We'd love to see more families than ever choosing to make summer memories that will last a lifetime in Middlesbrough this year."

• To find out more about the Brilliantly Boro goings on this summer visit www.lovemiddlesbrough.com