North Pennines Event

Bridging the Tees

North Pennines National Landscape is working with We Make Sound, a community music organisation, to collaborate with young musicians from Hartlepool. The project will create a connection between two different places along the River Tees, comparing bridges constructed to help people get to work. Wynch Bridge in Upper Teesdale is in the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark and was built so that farmers and miners could cross the steep gorge of the River Tees near Low Force. The Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough carried workers across the river to the ICI factory.

The young musicians are visiting both sites and recording the soundscapes of the bridges. They will interview people who work on-site to research the history of the bridges. Back in the studio, they will add layers of music to their recordings and bring everything together into one track. 

We Make Sound brings young people together to make their own music and sound recordings. Working with talented local musicians, including co-director Grace Stubbings, the young people can develop their music-making practice in a friendly, supportive environment. Bridging the Tees aims to create a connection along the River Tees inspiring people to make the journey upstream to the North Pennines National Landscape.  

Dates: April- July, with a performance for friends and family later in the summer.