Concerts, pantomime and festive fun: Some of the events returning to Hartlepool in the coming months

Published Friday, 15th October 2021

Some fun events are starting to return to Hartlepool for the first time since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

After a year of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, Hartlepool Borough Council is organising a programme of family-friendly events in the run up to Christmas and beyond.

Held as a virtual event last year, we’re particularly delighted the Hartlepool Christmas lights switch-on will return to Church Square on Friday 3 December.

Residents can also prepare to be dazzled when AJ Theatrical Productions return to the Borough Hall this Christmas for their most spectacular pantomime yet, with the magical re-telling of everyone’s favourite fairy tale Cinderella!

Expect dazzling choreography, grand sets and jaw-dropping special effects in the show that will star CBBC and YouTube star Joe Tasker.

Unfortunately, we have had to take the decision to postpone our annual fireworks display as it’s just a little too soon for us to organise an event which is usually enjoyed by in excess of 15,000 people.

However, we look forward to this event returning to our events calendar in 2022.

Gemma Ptak – Assistant Director (Preventative and Community Based Services) at Hartlepool Borough Council – said: “It’s been a really hard decision to postpone our annual fireworks display, but we’ve ultimately had to take a decision we believe is in the best interests of everyone’s safety.

“After a pause in events throughout the pandemic we know this will be disappointing to many people, but it’s important we build back up to hosting major events for such a large number of people.

“We’re therefore delighted to have some free spooky Halloween family fun lined up at Hartlepool Art Gallery and the Museum of Hartlepool and the return of the Christmas lights switch-on is a major boost in the run up to the festive period.

“We’re also providing support to the Wintertide Festival which runs between Friday 26 November and Sunday 28 November.”

Among the highlights of the event calendar in the run up to Christmas are:

Borough Hall Live, featuring Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape

Saturday 23 October – 5pm to Midnight

Spooky family fun at Museum of Hartlepool

Monday 25 October: 10am – 11am or 11.15am – 12.15pm 

Thursday 28 October: 10am – 11am or 11.15am – 12.15pm

FREE – must be pre-booked

Spooky family fun at Hartlepool Art Gallery

Wednesday 27 October: 10am – 4pm 

Friday 29 October: 10am – 11am and 11.15am – 12.15pm

FREE – must be pre-booked

Wintertide Festival

Friday 26 November to Sunday 28 November

Christmas lights switch-on

Friday 3 December

Cinderella at Hartlepool Borough Hall

Monday 13 December to Friday 24 December

You can find out more about all of these events – and how to book – by visiting www.culturehartlepool.com/events

Gemma Ptak added: “We’ve also got lots in store for 2022 and we can’t wait to share further details in due course.

“In particular, we’ll be arranging a number of events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and I know residents across Hartlepool will want to join together to celebrate this remarkable occasion.”