queen visits stockton on tees

This site requires JavaScript. To ensure you can use all the features please enable it.

We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.

• Nature Matters
• Memory Bank
• Specialisms

STOCKTON'S ROYAL DAY MONDAY 4TH JUNE 1956

Work id: nefa 21893 (master record).

• [email protected]
• Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter
• Yorkshire Film Archive is a charity registered in England and Wales (1093468) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (04480153)

Copyright © 2024 Imagen Ltd.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Today we join the nation in mourning for our longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Recently we celebrated seven decades of her long reign and looked at the visits and connections she had to the Tees Valley.

Queen Elizabeth visited the Tees Valley several times during her reign, with her first visit in 1956, three years after her coronation. She also toured Hartlepool and Stockton for her Silver Jubilee in 1977 and visited the area again in the 1990s to see some of the new industry that had been created in Wynyard, Stockton.

Born 21 st April 1926, the future Queen was raised with her younger sister Margaret, in London, where this little booklet was produced sharing snapshots of the young royals. On her 21 st birthday in 1947 she made a special speech stating her dedication to her country, duty and her subjects all over the Commonwealth.

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,”.

After the sudden death of her father in February 1952, the 25-year-old princess became the new Queen Elizabeth II. Her reign has seen drastic changes to the modern world; our lives today are very different to what they were in the 1950s. But throughout it all the Queen has remained a distinctive figure in our lives through her dedication and commitment to her duty and her people.

“Grief is the price we pay for love” – Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 – 2022.

You can read more about the Queen’s visits to the Tees Valley and how the people of the area celebrated her Coronation .

You might also like

The Twists and Turns of the River Tees

Tees Valley Museums have been working with local schools and colleges to create artworks for an exhibition this summer at Kirkleatham Museum. The artworks have been inspired by the River Tees and explore the environmental impact of industry on the river.

During this project we looked at the history of the river, using objects artwork from our museum collections.

Pioneers of Drag

Drag was a staple of seaside venues and music halls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainstream entertainment that subtly challenged the ways men and women were often seen. Billie Manders and Vesta Tilley were two British actors who embraced drag and performed across the country, including venues in the Tees Valley.

Redcar Rock Shop

John Robert Jenny’s Rock Shop is one of the most well-known staples of the Redcar Esplanade, having served the locals and tourists of Redcar for over 50 years.

Web browser unsupported..

It looks like you're using an old, unsupported browser which may cause display issues with this website.

We recommend that you upgrade your web browser. This will also enhance your experience elsewhere on the internet.

For information on the latest browser versions, visit Browse Happy

Incredible colour footage of Stockton and Norton in 1956 as 150,000 Teessiders greeted the Queen

Rare colour film archive of royal visit in 1956 - Do you know someone who was there?

• 18:00, 1 APR 2018

Get the latest news from Darlington direct to your inbox with our free email newsletter

We have more newsletters

A visit from royalty is always sure to attract the crowds.

But were you amongst the hundreds of thousands of people who turned out to greet the queen when she became the first reigning monarch to visit Teesside in peacetime since the 13th century?

The date was June 4, 1956 and the whole adventure was captured on film in glorious colour by ICI’s film unit - from the moment the monarch, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived on the royal yacht to the moment she sailed off down the Tees again at the end of it all.

The royal couple visited Stockton and Norton, motoring through Stockton town centre before the flag waving crowds and then called in at Stockton Racecourse to inspect members of the 1st Battalion The Loyal ( North Lancashire) Regiment , all shown in the archive film available to watch on the BFI Player.

The couple also stopped in at Middlesbrough Town Hall during the visit. The film then shows them heading for ICI Wilton where they toured the Staple Fibre plant with a last call at Dorman Long’s Lackenby Works, where more than 4,000 employees and their wives turned out to greet them.

It is estimated 150,000 people turned out that day, all dressed in their best and trying to catch a glimpse of the recently crowned sovereign. Teesside certainly scrubbed up well with flags and bunting draping the route of the royal cavalcade.

The film also shows crowds of people running along the sands to catch a glimpse of the couple as they make their way to board the royal yacht to take their leave.

The footag is taken from Welcome to the Queen, 1956, BFI National Archive. The full film is available to view for free on BFI Player as part of Britain on Film ( https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-welcome-to-the-queen-1956-online )

Let us know if you were amongst the crowds that day - it certainly looks like it was one to remember.

• Middlesbrough Town Hall
• Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
• Stockton-on-Tees
• Royal Family
• Most Recent

Picture Stockton Archive

A pictorial history of stockton-on-tees.

Queen Mother at the YMCA – 1968

Share this:

4 thoughts on “ queen mother at the ymca – 1968 ”.

I’m pretty sure that the YMCA had a climbing wall that we used to go on when I was young. Later on we played 5 a side there and sometimes tried to play snooker in the upstairs rooms.

It looks like they put a boardwalk alongside the wall, so that the shoes of the vistors would not damage the floor of the sports hall.

I used to go to the disco at the Y.M.C.A. in 74/75 I never saw the Queen Mother there but there were some dancing queens… (sorry it was just a little bit of humour)!

This is the visit when the gymnast Angus MacDonald was badly injured and the YMCA five a side football played for a trophy named in his honour.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

• Skip to main content

This website uses cookies

We use cookies on this site to enhance the user experience. You can follow the link provided here to tailor your experience, or accept all and continue on this page.

Your cookie preferences were saved

• Create a My Council account
• Sign in to My Council

Plans to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee across the Borough revealed - here's all you need to know

Plans to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough next month have been revealed.

A Bank Holiday weekend is taking place from Thursday, June 2 until Sunday, June 5 to mark 70 years since The Queen took to the throne.

And Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is planning a series of events around the Borough to mark the occasion.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "It's really exciting to be able to reveal our plans to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee and there promises to be something for all the family with free events happening across the Bank Holiday weekend.

"As well as a full programme of events organised by the Council, it's great to see people organising street parties in their neighbourhoods with over 140 planned  - and Jubilee packs provided by the Council to support their efforts."

Here's what you can expect...

Beacon-lighting event (Thursday, June 2)

Join the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees on Stockton High Street for a beacon-lighting ceremony to begin the bank holiday celebrations.

The event starts at 9pm and will include songs from Urban Voice Choir, who will sing 'A Song for The Commonwealth', composed especially for the Platinum Jubilee.

A beacon will then be lit by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham as we join thousands of others who will simultaneously do the same across the country.

You can find out more on the Platinum Jubilee beacons page  of the Enjoy Tees Valley website.

Platinum Jubilee party and music event! (Saturday, June 4)

Head to Stockton Riverside from 5pm on Saturday, June 4 for a free, live music event.

There'll be music from across The Queen's reign from The Moondogs, SHE, We Tried Kylie and the headline act, Counterfeit Beatles.

As well as the music, families can enjoy a helter skelter ride, throwing stalls, coconut shy and hook-a-duck.

Food and drink will be on offer from Frosty's Fish and Chips, Stewy's Ices, Big Fat Indian Kitchen, FlipnFast, the Seahorse Coffee Box and The PIMMS Van.

You can also visit a fully licensed bar at the site.

And a range of historic photographs will be available to view in a special Jubilee double-decker bus.

Be sure to stay until 10.30pm for a flurry of red, white and blue fireworks.

You can find out more on the event, which is being delivered in partnership with Tees Music Alliance and KU Bar, on the  Platinum Jubilee Party page  of the Enjoy Tees Valley website.

Big Jubilee Lunch (Sunday, June 5)

Residents from the Borough and beyond are invited to come together for the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' and have a picnic at Tees Barrage.

The event begins at 11am and will include performances from Northern Brass Monkey Band, Lisette Auton, Marina and Cherie Gears, Urban Voice Choir and the Reg Vardy Brass Band.

A marquee of family-friendly activities at the Barrage will include a range of stalls with arts, crafts, entertainment and food. There'll be fun for all the family with opportunities to make your own Jubilee flag with BloomInArt and craft an origami coronation lily with artist Simon Turner.

The Jubilee double-decker bus will again be showcasing a range of historic photographs of royal visits to our Borough, alongside a chance to leave your memories of the day in an interactive activity.

And there will also be poems read out from our poetry competition, with winning entries from children under 12, aged 12 to 17 and from adults aged 18 and over.

There's more information on the Big Jubilee Lunch page  of the Enjoy Tees Valley website.

Get involved with our digital programme!

If you can't get to any of the events happening across the weekend, you can still get involved from home.

There are a range of Jubilee activities to do in our downloadable activity pack, from wordsearches to colouring-in pages and games to play.

And keep an eye on our social media channels for videos showing more ways to get involved in the Jubilee celebrations. Our first video had an appearance from Great British Bake Off's Freya Cox, teaching you how to make Victoria-Sponge inspired biscuits!

For more information on the digital programme, visit the  The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations page  of the Enjoy Tees Valley website.

And there's lots happening at the Borough's libraries

'coronation catwalk'.

Learn about 1950s outfits at The Coronation Catwalk, taking place at Stockton Central Library on Wednesday, May 25 from 6.30pm until 8pm.

Booking is essential for the event, which costs £8 and will be hosted by costume historian and dressmaker, Meridith Towne.

To book a place, call 01642 528130 .

'Celebrating Royal Events in the Borough'

Discover how the Borough has celebrated royal events over the last 150 years with this free event at Stockton Central Library.

Booking is essential for the event, which takes place on Wednesday, June 1 from 11.30am until 1pm.

To book a place, call 01642 528079 .

'Jubilee Family Fun Day'

Visit Thornaby Central Library between 9.30am and 3pm on Saturday, June 4 for Jubilee crafts, badgemaking and a photo booth.

Storyteller Tony Wilson will be providing entertainment throughout the day and there will also be a Queen's Gambit Chess Challenge.

Booking is not required for this event, so please just drop in.

For more information, call 01642 528117 .

Or you could visit Preston Park during half-term

Preston Park Museum's Victorian Street will be given a 1950s makeover from Monday, May 30.

Visitors are invited to bring a picnic and pull up a chair at the Jubilee table on the street.

There will be lots of other activities on offer, including flag-making, decorate your own crown and food demos.

And there could be a street party near you!

There are more than 140 street parties registered across the Borough taking place over the bank holiday weekend - we hope everyone has a great time!

And finally... make sure to share your Jubilee pictures! 

We'd encourage everyone to contribute their pictures from next month's Jubilee celebrations to the Picture Stockton archive .

You can do this by emailing [email protected] .

For Council news direct to your inbox sign up to our  My Council Newsletter .

Queen Extravaganza

Stockton globe.

Fri 8 Mar 2024

Book Queen Extravaganza Tickets at Stockton Globe Official Box Office

Queen extravaganza, the official queen tribute band produced by roger taylor and brian may, returns to the uk in 2024, following a triumphant 2023 tour and sell out shows across the globe..

The band, who have been touring for over a decade, are made up of a rolling cast of gifted musicians, all of whom have been hand picked by Roger Taylor and Brian May. Queen Extravaganza are renowned for touring all over the world, and have earned much love and respect from their devoted and ever growing fan base. “It’s our own official tribute band” says Roger Taylor.

This spectacular 90-minute show features more than 20 Queen classics drawn from the band’s biggest hits: Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Under Pressure, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, A Kind of Magic, Radio Ga Ga, Somebody to Love and Killer Queen as well as other fan favourites.

Registered Address: 2nd Floor, Alexander House, Church Path, Woking, GU21 6EJ

[email protected]

01642 525199

ARC, Stockton Arts Centre Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1LL

Join our mailing list

The Queen of The North

Dates & Times

Pay What You Decide Info

Relaxed performance

Dynamic Pricing

ARC’s policy is to set ticket prices based on demand, like budget airlines, which means we set a price when the event goes on sale and then sometimes put the price up or down depending on how the show is selling. Usually, the price will increase as we get closer to the event, so it is advantageous to book in advance, although sometimes we will put special offers on and reduce the price. Our website will always show the current ticket price.

ARC’s theatre and dance performances are priced on a  Pay What You Decide  basis, which means you don’t have to pay until after you have seen a show!

We want to encourage more people to come and see shows at ARC, more often. Pay What You Decide not only allows you to pay what you can afford, rather than a fixed ticket price, but also removes the financial risk of buying a ticket for a show in advance without knowing whether you are going to enjoy it or not.

Tickets are available to book in advance as usual, but there is no obligation for you to pay until after you have seen the show. You can then decide on a price which you think is suitable based on your experience, which means if you haven’t enjoyed it at all, you don’t have to pay anything.

All money collected will help ARC pay the artists who have performed, and we therefore hope you will give generously.

Please ensure you have arrived and collected your tickets 15 minutes before the show starts in order to secure your seats. At the end of the show, you can decide what to pay, either by cash on the door or by card at the Box Office.

Seating: Unallocated - Theatre Style

*This event can be attended in person or watched online*

All performances of The Queen of the North will be relaxed, and will have integrated captioning and audio description.

Tommy’s gone up North to start a revolution.

Queer, disabled and working-class, he’s had enough of being held back by the system, and is determined to finally tear it all down.

But arriving at Stockton High Street’s historic market, Tommy starts to question their ideas about what working classness means to them – and what kind of liberation they really need.

The four pillars of the Stockton community have started their own revolution already. And it’ll take much more than a Southerner with a megaphone to change things for good.

Co-produced over six months of collaboration with local residents of Stockton-on-Tees, Tommy (The Queer Historian) returns to ARC this summer with their new show about class, a 700 year-old market and the whole of the Teesside community.

The Queen of the North crosses the North-South divide and multiple generations of working class culture, to deliver an unforgettable manifesto for freedom.

Q+A: The performance on Thu 4 Jul will be followed by a post show Q+A with writer and performer Tommy, hosted by ARC Producer Allison Birt.

Written and performed by Tommy Directed by Scott Le Crass

Dramaturg: Deirdre McLaughlin Set and Costume Design: Lu Herbert AV and Lighting Designer: Si Cole Sound Designer: Matthew Tuckey Creative Captioner: Rachel Sampley Stage Manager and Technical Operator: Simao Vaz Graphic Design: Ellis Miles Stewart Social Media: Meg Fereday Accessible Marketing: Graham Johnson Producer: Beth Sitek

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England and by ARC Stockton & Teesside Archives.

In our Studio the seats in row A are 37cm (141/2″) wide and 44cm (171/3”) deep, are 44cm (171/3”) from the floor, and have a 12cm (43/4”) gap between seats. Seats in row A are also removable as single seats.

Seats in rows B-H are 43cm (17“) wide and 46cm (18“) deep, are 44cm (171/3 “) from the floor, and have 8cm (3“) between seats.

Seats in rows J-K are 43 cm (17“) wide and 44cm (171/3“) deep, are 44cm (171/3“) from the floor, and have 8cm (3”) between seats.

Seats in the Studio do not have armrests.

Seats in row A have 50cm (192/3“) of legroom in front of seats.

Seats in rows B-H have 30cm (112/3“) of legroom in front of seats.

Seats in rows J-K have 24cm (91/2“) of legroom in front of seats.

Further information

If you have any questions about accessibility our Box Office team are always happy to help and can be contacted on 01642 525199 or by emailing  [email protected]  - you can also tell us about your access requirements when prompted to do so during the online booking process.

Video Game Production Workshop with BRiGHTBLACK

Wed 07 Aug 2024

Supper Club

From: Tue 17 Sep 2024

Poetry Playspaces

From: Sat 21 Sep 2024

You currently have JavaScript turned off, for the best experience please turn JavaScript on or visit the website using a modern web browser .

You are using an outdated browser, for the best experience please visit the website using a modern web browser .

• Tees Valley
• Cabinet, Boards & Committees
• Tees Valley Business Board
• Transparency
• Policies & Procedures
• Procurement
• Hartlepool Development Corporation
• Middlesbrough Development Corporation
• South Tees Development Corporation
• Our Investments
• Work With Us
• Strategic Economic Plan
• Investment Plan
• ← Go Back
• Business Home
• Infrastructure & Logistics
• Key Sectors
• Sites & Premises
• Teesside Freeport
• Workforce & Skills
• Entrepreneurs
• Securing Investment
• Supply Chain
• Digital Transformation
• Made Smarter Adoption North East
• Innovation Challenge
• Creative & Visitor Economy Growth Programme
• Apprenticeships
• Start Up Support
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
• Hospitality
• Professional Office Space
• Regeneration
• Our Strategy
• Support for Local Businesses
• Trees on Tees
• Local Nature Recovery Strategy
• Case Studies
• Business Board
• News & Insights
• Business Investments
• Intelligence
• SME Useful Links & Resources
• For Providers
• For Employers
• Technical Education
• Sharing Data
• Move Forward
• Wheels 2 Work
• Tees Valley Careers
• Work Investments
• Education, Employment and Skills
• All Activities
• Attractions
• Coast & On The Water
• Museums & Heritage
• Spa & Relaxation
• Sports & Adventure
• Walking & Cycling
• All Accommodation
• Camping & Caravanning
• Lodges & Glamping
• All Restaurants & Bars
• Restaurants
• Fine Dining
• Street Food & Takeaway
• Cafés & Tearooms
• Pubs, Bars & Cocktails
• Active and Sports
• Arts and Exhibitions
• Family Events

Food & Drink

• Heritage and Culture
• Music and Dance
• Nature and Wildlife
• Theatre and Comedy
• Get Inspired
• Travel Home
• Bus Operators
• Concessionary Bus Passes
• Plan Your Journey with Traveline
• Improve My Journey
• Service Updates
• Train Stations
• Rail Operators
• Improving Our Region’s Train Stations
• Plan Your Journey with National Rail
• Electric Vehicles
• E-Scooter Rental
• Walking & Cycling Hubs
• Cycle Route Journey Planning
• Walking & Cycling Network
• E-Bike Hire to Work
• Transport Investments
• Strategic Transport Plan 2020-2030
• Digital Transport Delivery Plan
• Bus Enhanced Partnership
• Tees Valley Resurfacing and Highways Maintenance Work

Contact Details

Telephone: +44 01642 527568

Email: [email protected]

Visit Website

Home » Things to See & Do » Stockton Town Centre

Stockton Town Centre

Located on the banks of the River Tees. Stockton’s town centre has a vibrant atmosphere as well as being steeped in history.

When walking through the town centre, look out for the popular fountains area, the historic Town Hall and Stockton Globe, the beautiful Grade II Listed art-décor venue that has been restored to a 3,000 capacity arts, music and comedy venue.

The town has a packed year-round calendar of events including the internationally renowned Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF).

Stockton is undergoing a bold transformation to ensure it remains fit for future generations and attracts investment, including the creation of the Stockton Waterfront development.

Stockton Waterfront will be an urban park with open, flexible spaces for community and large scale events, which will reconnect the High Street to the River Tees.

The park will also include a land bridge structure that will allow people to walk uninterrupted to the riverside.

To enable this development, the Castlegate Shopping Centre and Swallow Hotel have been demolished, clearing an area that is three times the size of Trafalgar Square.

On the north side of the High Street is the bustling Wellington Square shopping centre with a variety of national and independent retailers.

Independent small businesses in Stockton are a joy to explore and can also be found dotted along the High Street, Silver Street, Ramsgate, Dovecot Street, along Prince Regent Street and in the renowned Yards.

The High Street is home to the region’s biggest outdoor market ‘The Queen of the North’ which began 700 years ago. It takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Event Venue, Toilets, In town/city centre, Indoor Attraction, No Smoking Attraction

Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00 Monday: 09:00 - 17:30 Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:30 Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:30 Thursday: 09:00 - 17:30 Friday: 09:00 - 17:30 Saturday: 09:00 - 17:30 Bank Holiday: 10:00 - 17:00

Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1AT

Road Directions

Public transport directions, where's nearby.

0.03 miles away

The Kopper Keg

Micro-bar in the heart of Stockton-on-Tees. A bit of everything for everyone! 2 Rotating cask ales

0.06 miles away

Carpaccios Bar & Restaurant

We are a continental bar restaurant in the heart of Stockton on Tees. Our aim is to provide a high quality food experience, with a...

0.08 miles away

Thirsty Souls

Located in the heart of the Regent Quarter you can enter our premises from either Prince Regent Street or from inside Regency West Mall. Our...

Things to See & Do

ARC is a venue in the centre of Stockton on Tees, offering a full programme of professional, high quality cultural entertainment including music, comedy, dance,...

0.09 miles away

Dr. Inks Stockton

This new Micro Bar gives you somewhere to kick back and enjoy beautiful handmade cocktails.

0.10 miles away

The MAD (Moors and Dales) Walkers

Come along on our Sunday coach for guided walks near and far with a choice of three levels of walk from 10 to 16 miles....

Georgian Theatre Bar

The Georgian Theatre in Stockton-on-Tees is Tees Valley’s longest running independent music venues and one of finest in North East England. Alongside its great programme...

0.11 miles away

The Golden Smog

Stockton's original and best micropub since August 2014. 5 real ales, 4 kegs and 2 Fridges of Joy

Stay up to date

Sign up below to enter our mailing list for the Tees Valley Newsletter

Join us on social media for the latest news