Arctic Monkeys show hands Middlesbrough £1m visitor boost
The Arctic Monkeys gig at the Riverside Stadium boosted Middlesbrough’s economy by almost £1m, analysis shows.
The Sheffield band wowed 32,000 fans on June 5 and new visitor numbers have revealed the huge impact the event had on Middlesbrough town centre.
Restaurants, bars and hotels all enjoyed a bumper night as music fans travelled from around the region.
Data analysed by Middlesbrough Council shows the event drew in the highest number of visitors to the town centre for a Monday since local records began.
The Council worked alongside Tees Valley Combined Authority to provide assistance to promoters SJM and the football club in the build-up to the gig.
Cllr Theo Furness, Executive member for Regeneration at Middlesbrough Council, said: “These figures show just how important it is that Middlesbrough hosts these huge events.
“Massive credit has to go to the football club for once again attracting a major name to our town. I was at The Killers last year and would have been at the Arctic Monkeys too, but I was away for a family wedding.
“The visitor numbers and associated spend help our businesses succeed and puts money into the pockets of local families.”
Daniel Stanwick, Director of Hit the Bar Ltd said: “Concerts like this provide a massive boost for businesses like ours as it draws large crowds to the town and this one was no exception.
“With everyone in high spirits there was a great atmosphere all day as we opened the venue both before and after the gig.
“We had plenty of regulars coming down along with many more visiting from out of the area so they’re ideal opportunities to showcase what we are all about.”
Arctic Monkeys followed The Killers in 2022 and Take That in 2019 in taking to the Riverside stage.
Middlesbrough Football Club’s Head of Business Operations and Community Helena Bowman said: "We are delighted to hear that the concert has generated such a boost for the local economy. As a club, it’s important to us to provide events for the Tees Valley community which go above and beyond football.
“We look forward to working in partnership with TVCA and Middlesbrough Council on bringing future events to our area.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: ““The Arctic Monkeys concert is yet another great example of how we are now bringing the biggest and best artists to our area.
“As well as a great night for music lovers, events such as this have a fantastic effect on the local economy, boosting superb businesses such as bars, restaurants and hotels.
“It also brings in huge numbers of visitors and showcases what Middlesbrough and the rest of Tees Valley has to offer. We are now working hard to deliver more great concerts and major events in the future.”
The Arctic Monkeys show came at the start of a busy month of music in Middlesbrough.
Madness and a host of other cult 80s bands played to huge crowds across two days in Albert Park. And last week thriving Australian indie band DMA’s played to an ecstatic crowd at the Empire.