30/10/2026
Stockton people are resilient, creative, welcoming and ambitious. They care deeply about their communities and consistently demonstrate what can be achieved when people are given opportunities to thrive.
We should celebrate the generations of residents whose lives have been transformed through culture, creativity and music.
Literally thousands of young people progress through Tees Valley Music Service each year, and many former students now work in world-leading orchestras, opera companies, theatres, concert halls and creative organisations across the globe.
Others have taken the confidence, teamwork, discipline and communication skills developed through music into successful careers in entirely different fields.
We should also celebrate the less visible success stories.
The young person who struggled in mainstream education but found belonging in a band.
The home-educated child who found friendship, confidence and community through music-making.
The permanently excluded student facing significant challenges who discovered that creativity could become a pathway towards a brighter future.
These stories are every bit as important as performances on major stages because they show the power of culture to change lives.
🥳 Stockton town is one of only 15 towns nationally to make it onto the shortlist from nearly 400 applications in the high profile contest – and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council want to hear your ideas and ambitions for the town to help shape Stockton's bid.
💻 You can also take part in a quick, online survey here: consult.stockton.gov.uk/corporate-services/943aad3a/
stocktoncouncil
