Thousands of music lovers have descended on the banks of the River Tees today as the highly anticipated Riverside Beats Music Festival bursts into life. With the town centre buzzing and Stewart Park transformed into a sea of colourful tents and food trucks, festival-goers are gearing up for a weekend of live performances, local talent, and headline acts set to put Middlesbrough firmly on the UK’s festival map.
Stay with us for rolling updates, exclusive backstage interviews, and all the sights and sounds as the festival unfolds.
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Dance Tent Getting Busy
The Dance Tent is officially bouncing! Local DJ DJ Nova has drawn an early crowd, with a steady stream of people ducking in to escape the midday sun and get their groove on. The disco ball is already spinning.
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Eco Volunteers Hand Out Recycling Bags
Teams of volunteers are weaving through the crowds handing out bright green recycling bags to keep the park tidy. So far, festival-goers seem keen to keep litter to a minimum — bins are filling up fast but staying organised.
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First Food Truck Sells Out of Breakfast Burritos
Boro Brekkie, one of the festival’s most popular breakfast trucks, just posted a sign: SOLD OUT. The line for their vegan wraps snaked halfway across the food court before they ran out — they promise to restock by dinner.
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Local Band Kicks Things Off
Middlesbrough’s own Teeside Troubadours opened the festival with an upbeat folk-rock set that got early crowds clapping and dancing. “It’s unreal to play our hometown festival!” the lead singer told our reporter backstage.
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Headliner Soundcheck Hints at Big Show Tonight
Excitement is building as tonight’s headliners, Northern Lights, have just wrapped up a booming soundcheck on the main stage — giving waiting fans a taste of what’s to come. The festival grounds are now buzzing as people grab street food and settle in for what promises to be an electric night. Expect fireworks (literally) at the finale just before midnight!
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Surprise Set Draws Huge Crowd at Acoustic Stage
A surprise mid-afternoon set by indie favourite Ellie & The Echoes drew an unexpected crowd to the intimate Acoustic Stage. Word spread fast on social media, and by the second song, the small lawn was packed with fans singing along under fluttering bunting and the summer sun. “We just turned up to chill and caught the best set so far!” said festival-goer Josh from Stockton.
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Gates Open and Crowds Pour In
Early risers were treated to blue skies as the festival gates swung open just after midday. Within minutes, Stewart Park’s main field was filling up with eager fans, many staking out spots near the main stage. Local food stalls are already doing brisk business with breakfast wraps and artisan coffee flying out — the calm before the musical storm!
