A SPECTACULAR Christmas Dream Machine will be the centrepiece of 2018’s Magical Middlesbrough celebrations, it has be revealed.

The dazzling outdoor theatre performance will form part of Middlesbrough Council’s big Christmas light switch-on in its yuletide events calendar.

The Christmas Dream Machine is fun for all the family and follows the journey of Ava and her teddy bear as they go on an adventure across the skies of her home town in search of the Christmas Dream Machine.

The performance, in Middlesbrough’s Centre Square on Thursday, November 22 from 6pm to 7.30pm, will be followed by a fireworks finale which will officially mark the beginning of the town’s Christmas festivities.

The event is free and numerous car parks will be free from 4pm.

The Christmas Dream Machine has received support through Arts Council England’s National Lottery funded Project Grants programme.

Cllr Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for culture and communities, said: “The Christmas Dream Machine will be an incredible event for Middlesbrough and one fitting with our city-scale aspirations.

“It’s going to be an amazing family friendly event that will bring the community together and kick start the festive celebrations for us all.”

Also confirmed for 2018 is the Magical Middlesbrough Parade, Santa’s Grotto, Festive Huts and the town centre pop up performances featuring The Big Sing.