FREE Events Programme

Thursday 14 May

Infinity Bridge Opening Event

8pm - 10pm

Expect a spectacular programme of sound and light, big screens and fireworks and a world first performance especially commissioned for Stockton-on-Tees. To fully experience the event, please join us between Infinity Bridge and the Princess of Wales Bridge.

Finale event starts at 9.30pm.

Friday 15 May

Bridge to Bridge

Stockton Central Library

10.30am - 12.30pm

A free programme of talks and exhibitions celebrating Stockton's heritage of bridge and ship building and the many other uses of the River Tees over the years.

10.30am - 11am

Beth Addis, River Tees Natural Heritage Officer
The development of the River Tees over the last 10,000 years

11.00am - 11.30am

Beth Addis, River Tees Natural Heritage Officer
This talk examines some of the ingenious ways in which people have chosen to cross the Tees using bridges.

11.30am - 12pm

Alan Betteney, local author/historian
From Wooden ships to Concrete ships: Shipbuilding in Stockton and Thornaby, a short history. A condensed history of the shipbuilding industry including the part that Stockton-built ships played in the American Civil War.

12pm - 12.15pm

Russell Smith, Regional Director, WYG
The construction of the new Infinity Bridge. WYG are a multidisciplinary consultant delivering engineering, design, project management, town planning and environmental solutions for clients across a broad range of sectors including healthcare, education, defence, infrastructure and energy.

12.15pm - 12.30pm

Alan Slater, Barrage & River Manager, British Waterways
Alan will speak about his work on the River Tees before the building of the Barrage - how he has observed the river’s transformation over the years and the aspirations for the future.

The programme will be accompanied by the Tales from the Tees exhibition as well as a selection of photographs from the Picture Stockton archives and images of the new Infinity Bridge.

Exhibition - Tales from The Tees

Stockton Central Library

A fascinating exhibition using archive photographs which explore the changing views and activities along the River Tees as it runs through the Borough of Stockton.

Saturday 16 May

Riverside Stories*

Stockton Central Library, 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Family storytelling sessions exploring life along the River. * Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Bridge Building Challenge

The Shambles, High Street, 11am – 3pm

Come along to this fun and informative workshop where you will be able to find out about Teesside's amazing history of building bridges and take part in our challenge to build a bridge using knex kits!

This workshop is free and suitable for families with children aged 7 plus. Advance booking is not required although places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Art and Craft Workshops*

The Shambles, High Street, 11am - 4pm

Build your very own bridge or make a fantastic kite to fly during these drop-in art and craft workshops. Suitable for young people of all ages. * Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Street Theatre and Community Performances

Saturday 16 May

Stockton Town Centre to the River Tees, 11am - 5pm

A free programme of street theatre and community performances including Carnival Crew Tees Valley, Rhythm Train, Steelworks and more.

Stream: A Journey

from ARC to the Infinity Bridge, 11am - 5pm

Artists Michelle Cook and Dave Allinson have created an intriguing art trail and installation to celebrate the opening of the Infinity Bridge.

Taking inspiration from the sculptural form of the bridge and Stockton Town Centre, five groups of dancers and musicians will perform along the route between ARC and Infinity Bridge. The installation inside ARC’s theatre will culminate with a performance by a
specially commissioned choir at 8.30pm.

Health Walk

Meet outside Stockton Town Hall, 1pm

A two-miles, one-hour health walk taking in both the Millennium and new Infinity footbridges, suitable for families with buggies. Please arrive 15 minutes before start of walk to allow for registration.