Sound of Spring to showcase talent

April 23rd 2025

Middlesbrough’s Dundas Shopping Centre is staging its second free Promoting Local event on Saturday as it continues to support emerging musical talent.

Family friendly Sounds of Spring will not only feature performances by bands and singers it will also introduce the next generation of Teessiders to the joy of music. Children and teenagers will be able to try out lots of different instruments in a music activity tent and feel what it is like to be a DJ using a mini mixing desk and microphone.

There is going to be an exhibition of the work of local visual artists and Dundas Indoor Market trader Aaron Mockett – who launched the Picks & Sticks music shop earlier this year – will provide a free instrument health check for any musician who needs help to improve their sound.

The music will start at noon and run till 4pm and the performance area will have seating for those wanting to stay and enjoy the show.

Nicky Hargreaves founder of Promoting Local said: “This is the start of a series of up to 24 events Promoting Local will be producing over the next 18 months, bringing regular, free for all, live music events back to Teesside.

“We are excited to give Teesside acts the very best chance to be heard by their local communities who hopefully will show their support and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Taking to the stage will be Josh Atkinson, Jake Diaz, Laura Kelbrick, Lou Wallace Hunter, The Harlen Frank Band, and Georgia Smith. They all come from Teesside and most are now releasing music.

Dundas Indoor Market held the first Promoting Local concert in September and also supports local musical talent by playing their music throughout each week.

Market Manager David Harris said: “In the same way that we help local independent traders launch their businesses, we think it’s also important to provide a showcase for local musicians to show just how good they are. That’s become more difficult for them in the past few years with the closure of so many live music venues.”

As well as the support from the Dundas, Promoting Local’s other partners are M.A.S.S. – who provide the sound equipment and expertise – and the Creative Minds Charity, based in Hartlepool.