SONIC ARTS WEEK 2026: THANK YOU!

And just like that, Sonic Arts Week is over. Once again, we brought the town to life with a fine selection of artists bringing you weird and wonderful sounds. From legendary former Napalm Death drummer Mick Harris aka Blare Weight Unit to Rimski & Handkerchief, music for everyone filled the streets of Middlesbrough. The weather was generous and instead of rain, gifted us a heatwave for opening night which carried on into the weekend, serving blue skies, sunshine and sunburn alongside serenading sounds.

For opening night Floris Vanhoof brought energy and mesmerising visuals with his 16mm film projection and synthesiser audiovisual performance. In the gallery, among the Moments in Sound exhibition Vivenne Griffin, Oona Lowther and Nell Catchpole delivered a captivating performance with Vivenne on harp, Oona on cello and Nell on violin. Dale Frost closed the evening with a magnetic drum solo, using a hybrid set of drums, electronics, synchronised lighting and visuals to deliver a unique blend of experimental electronic, post-rock and jazz improvisation. A night to remember.

Ten days of sound, art and play, from live music on the streets to our community day and everything in between – we loved every moment.

Thank you to all of the artists who played a part, to everyone who made Sonic Arts Week happen, and to everyone who enjoyed it with us.


Photography by Joe Copley.