My Great Folk, a project led by North East Opera, takes to the stage on March 30 after hundreds of workshops with schools, community groups and arts venues.
The show promises a joyous and uplifting experience for performers and the audience. It was part funded by Middlesbrough Council using Community Recovery Fund money provided after August 2024’s racist disorder.
Celebrating the impact of migration on the town, My Great Folk was originally performed before the shameful summer scenes.
The funding allowed for new workshops where people explored their own family history and links to different countries and cultures.
North East Opera’s David Pisaro said: “My Great Folk aims to bridge social divides and enhance our sense of community.
“We’ve drawn on individuals’ stories and songs, both people that are ‘local’ to Middlesbrough and those who have relocated here.
“We hope this will bring a sense of positivity and common resonance amongst people who may well not normally encounter each other and change the narrative of how Middlesbrough is perceived.”
The show includes songs from the UK and Ireland, Namibia, Nigeria, Italy, Eritrea, Ukraine and Iran. It features 200 performers accompanied by folk and rock musicians, dancers from Navrang Arts, poet Bob Beagrie and the South Bank Brass Band.
The performance comes after Middlesbrough was longlisted to become the UK City of Culture 2029.
A full bid will now be developed in an attempt to claim a £10m boost to organise a year of celebrations as the town prepares to mark its 200th birthday in 2030.
North East Opera has worked in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, MIMA, the Methodist Asylum Project, Middlesbrough College, MUSINC and the Middlesbrough Town Hall Community Choir.
Abingdon, Beech Grove, Newport and Linthorpe primary schools will also take part in a special performance exclusive for students, staff and families.
The public performance of My Great Folk is at 7.30pm on Monday March 30 at Middlesbrough Town Hall. Adult tickets are £5 and can be purchased online via the Middlesbrough Box Office website.
