Teesside Talent Takes Centre Stage at Boro’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations
15th October 2026
After Middlesbrough’s Legacy Match and the official 150th Anniversary fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the celebrations will reach their final chapter ahead of the Sky Bet Championship fixture against Cardiff City on Saturday 17 October. More than 300 dancers will take to the Riverside Stadium pitch on Saturday 17th October as the celebrations culminate in a spectacular pre-match performance featuring an original soundtrack created entirely by local talent.
The large-scale performance, produced by Tees Dance, will see over 300 dancers from across the Tees Valley perform on the Riverside pitch before kick-off in a celebration of Middlesbrough’s footballing heritage, community spirit and future generations.
Providing the soundtrack is local musician Tom Powell, a lifelong Middlesbrough supporter and former Tees Valley Music Service student, who was commissioned to create an original piece of music reflecting both the town and the football club’s 150-year history.
The music has been recorded using performers from across the region, including current and former members of Tees Valley Music Service, local choirs and musicians, creating a soundtrack that showcases the breadth of talent across Teesside.
Tom said:
“As a lifelong Boro fan, being asked to create music for such an important moment in the club’s history has been a genuine privilege.
The piece brings together many of the things that make Middlesbrough special – our people, our communities and our shared identity. I’m especially proud that the recording features current Tees Valley Music Service staff, students, alumni and local singers, making it a real community effort.”
The performance forms the final major public event of the club’s anniversary programme and brings together football, dance and music in a uniquely Teesside celebration.
With Middlesbrough entering the match on an impressive unbeaten run and fans expected to create a special atmosphere inside the Riverside Stadium, organisers hope the performance will provide a fitting conclusion to a landmark year for the club.
For Tees Valley Music Service, the project also highlights the long-term impact of music education in the region, with former students, current staff and local performers contributing to a high-profile cultural event at the heart of the community.
Saturday’s performance will take place on the pitch immediately before Middlesbrough FC’s fixture against Cardiff City, kicking off at 12:30pm.
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