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There is no getting away from it, Middlesbrough has long had a big hole in its night time economy. Similar sized centres across the country have cracked the art of attracting late shoppers, families eating out, theatre goers and couples who simply want to drink in the evening ambience together.

But despite the metropolitan charm of Centre Square, the sober end of evening culture still gives the Middlesbrough a wide berth. The town at night has an image problem, but an event is coming that could, just could, change that.

Cllr David Budd and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Tees' John Foster

One Big Night

On the evening of Thursday 23 April, Middlesbrough's Centre Square will host an event aimed at attracting those people who wouldn't normally consider spending an evening in Middlesbrough, back into town.

For One Big Night, shops and leisure attractions will stay open late and there will be entertainment laid on and a launch party hosted by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Tees' breakfast show presenter, John Foster.

On the cultural side of things, the mima art gallery will be featuring a one night exhibition by the American artist Nathan Carter. Gallery TS1 on Corporation Road and The Platform Studios on Albert Road will be open for viewing. Middlesbrough Town Hall will have the Northern Sinfonia, and Middlesbrough Theatre will be showing a local production of the famous musical West Side Story.

And starting on One Big Night, brand new comedy night 'Hot Potato Comedy Club' will be starting up at the University of Teesside’s Students Union. £5 Entry fee, and no need for an NUS card, it's open to everyone!

For shoppers, a continental market will be held in the town centre near Debenhams, a ‘Girls, Nails & Cocktails’ night will be hosted at Psyche on Linthorpe Road and shops throughout the town will be offering special discounts.

The hope is that, when people get a taste for the town after tea, they will keep coming back for more. The challenge for the town will be to keep on providing services and events that will attract them.