'The borough has an ambitious and exciting event programme

£2M BROUGHT IN FROM LOCAL EVENTS

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter

(STUART BOULTON)

LARGE-SCALE events in Stockton brought an estimated £2m into the local economy, leaders have heard.

The events like the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF), which brought in over £930,000, and Stockton and Darlington Railway Bicentenary Festival garnered praise from residents.

More than 40 community and local events were held in 2025, Stockton Council's cabinet was told on Thursday, January 15. Reuben Kench, the council's director of community services, environment and culture, said: "The borough presents an ambitious and exciting event programme. Satisfaction levels remain very high with that. Whilst we might take for granted the sophistication of our event delivery, those outside the borough and those outside in the region who visit us and observe what we achieve are envious and impressed."