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Expanded BBC Proms will 'reach new communities'

Evie LakeNorth East and Cumbria
Fire Station A group of musicians on stage, most are wearing black but a musician in the centre is wearing a red jacket and playing the violin. There are more musicians playing violins, with a piano and viola as well. The stage wall behind them is wooden and lit up in a yellow light. The audience are sitting down in rows and the backs of their heads are in shadow. It looks very full.Fire Station
BBC Proms is returning to north-east England for the fifth time

BBC Proms is returning to the north-east of England for the fifth year.

Once again gracing The Glasshouse in Gateshead, this edition will also host events at the Fire Station in Sunderland and Middlesbrough Town Hall.

With performances, workshops and activities taking place across the region, BBC Proms said it hoped the new activity will play "a vital role in reaching new communities and widening access across the region".

The programme includes collaborations between the Royal Northern Sinfonia and South Tyneside-born Nadine Shah, as well as a performance by The Unthanks, also from Tyneside.

Chief executive of the Glasshouse International Centre for Music Fraser Anderson said: "It's brilliant to see the BBC Proms in the North East growing year on year.

"What started here in Gateshead has become three days of music that stretches across the region and brings people together for live music of all kinds."

The Glasshouse The Unthanks which is made up of two women with dark, long hair. The woman on the left is looking at her sister over her shoulder. She is wearing a green patterned long-sleeved dress. The woman on the right is looking to the left and is wearing a blue and pink flowery dress. They are standing on a beach with the sea to the left.The Glasshouse
The Unthanks will perform at Middlesbrough Town Hall as part of the festival

The Unthanks, plus special guests, open the festival at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 23 July, while BBC Introducing artists take to the stage at Sage Two at the Glasshouse.

General manager at Middlesbrough Town Hall Kesia Bruce said: "It's a landmark moment for the venue and for our town and one that builds on our strong musical heritage.

"We're proud to be part of such a world-renowned celebration of music and we look forward to welcoming audiences to experience an unforgettable evening of live music."

BBC Young Composer workshops will also be taking place at myplace in Middlesbrough, which is designed for young people making their own music in any genre with the aim of trying out new ideas and building confidence.

Ben Houchen, Conservative Tees Valley Mayor, said: "This event ensures that people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can experience the Proms on their own doorstep, while also championing one of our outstanding local venues and delivering an important boost to our local economy."

The Glasshouse A black and white photo of Nadine Shah. It is slightly out of focus and she is looking into the camera with pursed lips. She has dark hair which is scraped back and is wearing a black blazer with large shoulders. She is standing in front of a grey background.The Glasshouse
Nadine Shah will play with the Royal Northern Sinfonia on the Friday

On 24 July, Mercury-nominated Shah will make her Proms debut on the concourse of the Glasshouse.

"It's high art, it's fancy, call me 'Nadine Shah lah-delah'," the singer said.

"It's about time, on the Tyne."

The festival then moves to Sunderland on 25 July with Royal Northern Sinfonia: Mozart and Mendelssohn.

Venue director at The Fire Station Tamsin Austin said: "Hearing world class orchestral music up close, in the outstanding acoustics of our intimate concert hall, is a huge treat and we are really looking forward to sharing it with audiences."

The Glasshouse The concourse of the Glasshouse with a choir singing on the left side. There are two balconies with people looking over them. There are five colourful banners hanging from the ceiling. People are lining the stairs through the centre of the room. The wall behind the choir is made completely from glass and is reflecting the lights from inside the concourse.The Glasshouse
The North East mayor said the 2026 Proms will be the "biggest programme yet"

Concerts across the weekend will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Labour North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said it is the Proms' "biggest programme yet" in the North East.

"This is about creating real opportunity for our artists, our communities and our young people, showing just how far their talent can take them," she said.

"This festival shows the confidence and creativity of our North East."

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