SUMMER is just around the corner and one town will be hosting a programme of party events for all the family over the holidays.

From sporting events to music, comedy and carnivals, Stockton will welcome thousands of visitors to its High Street from June to September.

Leader of Stockton-Borough-Council, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “There’s all sorts of exciting events taking place in the next few months and the variety on offer means that people of all interests will have something to look forward to.

“World-class events such as our annual Stockton International Riverside Festival, Cycling Festival and specialist markets, as well as those across the Tees Valley, are always hugely popular and help boost the local economy by attracting visitors who support local businesses and independent traders.

“And we’re also seeing further evidence of these economic benefits at the new Hampton by Hilton hotel, which is reporting surges in bookings during SIRF week, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the Great North CityGames. We’ve got a busy calendar of events ahead and we’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone.”

The busy schedule will begin with the Stockton Stages music and comedy festival for its third annual showing. Free and ticketed performances in venues across the town centre will run from Thursday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8.

Free family entertainment can be found at the outdoor stage on Stockton High Street while ticketed shows are taking place at ARC and Ku Bar.

Preston Park Museum and Grounds will be taken over by the Fire Engine and Vintage Vehicle Show on Saturday, June 29,

and Sunday, June 30.

More than 300 vehicles of all varieties will be on display at Preston Park, including the largest number of restored fire appliances in one place in the North of England. Live motoring displays and performances from Bolddog Lings freestyle motorcycle stunt team and the Paul Hanman quad bike stunt show.

The Stockton Cycling Festival will celebrate all things cycling as the annual festival returns to Stockton’s Riverside and town centre on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14.

The action gets under way with a choice of four routes ranging from 36 to 106 miles. Every ride departs from Stockton Riverside with an escorted start and the routes take in the scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors.

The Stockton International Riverside Festival will follow on Thursday, August 2, to Sunday, August 5. The event includes more than 100 shows, including the annual Community Carnival.

Stockton High Street and Riverside will host the Great North CityGames and Simplyhealth Great Tees 10k on Sunday, September 7, for the first time in the Tees Valley. World-class athletes from around the globe compete alongside homegrown talent in the heart of Stockton town centre. The event will be broadcast live on BBC1.

A number of eclectic events will also be held this summer, starting with a Record Fair on Saturday, June 1, followed by the Ka-Pow! Sci-fi specialist market on Saturday, July 6.