Shopping Centre showcases musical talent
The organiser of the latest Promoting Local event at the Dundas Shopping Centre in Middlesbrough has promised “there’s more to come.”
As well as showcasing local musical talent, the Sounds of Spring also provided an opportunity for children to try out a number of instruments.
Guitars, keyboards – and particularly the drums – proved popular.
The shop unit, which was once occupied by the retail giant B&M, provided an ideal atmospheric mini arena as act after act took to the stage for the free concert.
Stockton singer songwriter Georgia Smith was first, followed by Josh Atkinson who – despite nursing a cold – also delivered an immaculate set of original songs. The day continued with performances by Jake Diaz, Laura Kelbrick, Lou Wallace Hunter and The Harlen Frank Band.
The Centre’s new café Glowsticks provided ice creams to help cool down the audience and Aaron Mockett – who earlier this year opened his Picks & Sticks music shop in the Dundas Indoor Market – provided a free instrument health check.
Organiser Nicky Hargreaves said that as well as providing a fun day out for families, the event provided local artists with a vital opportunity to showcase their talent and connect with a new audience. 
“So many venues have closed down in recent years or are struggling to survive,” said Nicky. “At the same time there is so much musical talent in Teesside and they deserve to be heard.”
For more than a year songs by local singers and bands have been played over the PA to shoppers in the Indoor Market and the Sounds of Spring was the second Promoting Local event to take place in the Centre.
“There’s a real synergy between what we’re both trying to achieve,” added Nicky. “That’s providing members of our community – whether they’re an independent trader or local musician – with opportunities to show how creative, talented and imaginative they are. Promoting Local will definitely be back at the Dundas and we’re planning a number of other events throughout Teesside. The ball’s in play and we’ve got to keep it moving.”
Dundas Indoor Market Manager David Harris said the closure of so many big shops in Middlesbrough town centre meant new ways had to be found to attract shoppers.
“Throughout the year we will be staging a series of family events to encourage people to visit us. They will also see the results of a major investment in the Market which is a real mark of approval for what we’re trying to do here.”
That investment has seen the creation of seven new units, allowing established businesses to expand as well as offering space to local independent traders who are new to retail or looking to re-locate.
As the musicians performed in the old B&M store, one of those established businesses – ASB Football Shirts – was having a particularly busy afternoon as Boro fans bought replica shirts on their way to the final home league match of the season.