Events by British Pest Control Association, BPCA

Middlesbrough Mela returns to Albert Park as one of the North East’s largest, most anticipated, and longest-running multicultural festivals. Organized by Middlesbrough Borough Council in partnership with community event specialists, this grand two-day celebration brings together tens of thousands of visitors from across Teesside, Yorkshire, and the wider UK. Rooted in unity, artistic expression, and community inclusion, the festival offers a rich tapestry of music, dance, visual arts, and international street food. The word "Mela" means gathering, and true to its name, this weekend creates an open, welcoming, and uplifting space for people of all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life to celebrate shared human connections. World-Class Live Music and Main Stage Performances The heart of the festival revolves around the iconic Main Stage, delivering dynamic live music and dance performances throughout Saturday and Sunday. Audiences can experience a stellar lineup featuring international headline acts, acclaimed UK urban and South Asian fusion singers, traditional Bhangra ensembles, and energetic tribute showcases. Complementing headline performers are regional community groups, emerging youth talent, and traditional folk troupes representing Caribbean, African, Far Eastern, and Eastern European heritage. Broadcast live in partnership with the BBC Asian Network, the main stage delivers non-stop, electrifying entertainment that keeps crowds dancing from afternoon to evening. Global Street Food Market and Cultural Bazaar An essential highlight of Middlesbrough Mela is the sprawling global market setup across the green lawns of Albert Park. Visitors are invited to take a culinary journey through dozens of artisan food stalls serving freshly cooked street food from around the globe. From authentic South Asian curries, kebabs, and samosas to Caribbean jerk dishes, sweet churros, and refreshing icy drinks, there are choices to satisfy every palate. Adjacent to the food village, the colorful bazaar features traders selling traditional textiles, embroidered garments, handmade jewelry, Henna body art, home décor, and unique handcrafted souvenirs created by independent regional makers. Interactive Family Activities and Community Engagement Middlesbrough Mela is designed with families and children in mind, offering an extensive range of free interactive activities, games, and creative creative zones. Children can participate in artist-led workshops covering clay modeling, banner making, and lantern creation, while enjoying walkabout street performers, face painting stations, and storytelling corners. A bustling funfair with rides for all ages adds to the celebratory carnival atmosphere. Local community organizations, health charities, and educational groups also host interactive stalls, providing valuable resources and promoting health, wellness, and civic participation across the local borough. Exploring Historic Albert Park Facilities Set in the iconic, award-winning greenery of Albert Park in central Middlesbrough, the event makes full use of the park’s heritage surroundings. Attendees can stroll around the lake, visit the historic bandstand, relax on open grass spaces, and enjoy the park’s natural beauty between musical acts. Middlesbrough Borough Council ensures the festival is fully accessible, providing designated quiet zones, accessible toilets, medical support, and information hubs throughout the grounds to ensure every visitor experiences a safe, comfortable, and thoroughly enjoyable day. Plan Your Visit and Transport Information Middlesbrough Mela is completely free to enter, requiring no tickets in advance. The festival runs from 12:00 PM to 07:00 PM on both days, making it an ideal weekend day out for groups of friends and whole families. Situated conveniently near Middlesbrough town centre on Linthorpe Road, the park is easily reached via local bus routes, train services to Middlesbrough Station, or nearby town centre car parks. Gather your family and friends to experience the warmth, rhythm, and festive spirit of Middlesbrough’s signature cultural event.

Road to Nashville Festival 2026 promises to be one of the biggest country music celebrations in the North East of England. As part of Sunderland City Council's highly anticipated One Big Summer programme, this spectacular outdoor festival transforms the heart of Sunderland into an authentic American country music destination. The event is designed to attract visitors from across the United Kingdom, bringing together live performances, entertainment, food, family activities and unforgettable experiences in one vibrant location. Hosted at the iconic Keel Square, the festival offers an exciting opportunity for both local residents and tourists to enjoy a full day of music and entertainment in the city centre. Sunderland City Council continues to strengthen the city's reputation as a destination for major cultural events, helping local businesses while providing memorable experiences for thousands of visitors. The Road to Nashville Festival is one of the headline attractions within this wider summer programme. A Premier Country Music Experience Country music continues to grow in popularity throughout the UK, and Road to Nashville celebrates this trend with an exciting programme inspired by the famous music capital of Tennessee. Visitors can expect an energetic atmosphere featuring talented tribute artists, country bands, live vocal performances and interactive entertainment throughout the day. The festival combines traditional country music with modern production, creating an immersive experience suitable for every generation. Whether guests are lifelong country music enthusiasts or simply looking for an enjoyable summer event, the festival provides entertainment from midday until late evening. Why Keel Square Is the Perfect Venue Keel Square has become Sunderland's premier destination for major public events. Located in the city centre, it offers excellent transport connections, nearby parking facilities, restaurants, hotels and shopping opportunities. Its spacious open-air design makes it ideal for large-scale festivals while allowing visitors plenty of room to enjoy performances, relax with friends and explore food and retail stalls. The location also enables visitors to discover other attractions throughout Sunderland before or after the festival. Entertainment Throughout the Day Visitors can expect an impressive schedule of activities including: Professional country music performances Nashville-inspired tribute artists Interactive line dancing sessions Live DJs between performances Western-themed entertainment Family-friendly attractions Food vendors serving international cuisine Refreshment stalls Photo opportunities Festival merchandise The variety of activities ensures there is something for every visitor regardless of age or musical preference. Supporting Sunderland's Local Economy Events such as Road to Nashville generate significant economic benefits for Sunderland. Thousands of visitors spend money with local hotels, cafés, restaurants, retailers and transport providers throughout the festival weekend. The festival also provides valuable opportunities for local suppliers, performers, food vendors and event professionals, reinforcing Sunderland's growing reputation as one of the UK's leading event destinations. Family-Friendly Atmosphere One of the festival's strongest attractions is its welcoming environment for families. Parents can enjoy live entertainment while children participate in various family-friendly activities available throughout the venue. Security teams, event staff and organisers work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending. Food and Refreshments A major highlight of the festival is its diverse food offering. Visitors can enjoy: Gourmet burgers BBQ favourites American-inspired street food Vegetarian dishes Sweet treats Artisan coffee Soft drinks Desserts Ice cream Local food vendors These culinary experiences complement the festival atmosphere while showcasing regional hospitality. Live Performances Music remains the centrepiece of Road to Nashville Festival. Throughout the day audiences can enjoy professionally produced performances featuring: Country classics Modern country hits Tribute performances Acoustic sessions Interactive audience participation High-quality sound and lighting Each performance contributes to creating a genuine festival atmosphere rarely experienced in city centre events. Tourism Benefits Road to Nashville encourages visitors to extend their stay in Sunderland. Many attendees use the opportunity to visit: Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens Roker Beach National Glass Centre Sunderland Empire Theatre Local shopping districts Historic landmarks Seafront attractions This broader tourism activity benefits accommodation providers and local businesses across the city. Accessibility Keel Square is designed to accommodate large public events and provides good accessibility for visitors. Public transport links, pedestrian access and city-centre facilities make travelling to the venue straightforward for local residents and visitors arriving from across the region. Sunderland's Growing Events Calendar Road to Nashville forms part of Sunderland's ambitious strategy to establish itself as one of the UK's leading event cities. The One Big Summer programme features multiple concerts, community celebrations and cultural activities designed to attract visitors throughout the summer months. Sunderland City Council has invested significantly in developing this programme to increase tourism, support local businesses and showcase the city's vibrant cultural scene. Networking and Community Engagement Although primarily an entertainment festival, the event also creates opportunities for: Community engagement Local business promotion Visitor networking Family gatherings Tourism partnerships Cultural exchange Such events strengthen community pride while encouraging repeat visits to Sunderland. Visitor Tips To enjoy the festival fully: Arrive early to secure the best viewing area. Use public transport where possible. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor conditions. Bring weather-appropriate items. Stay hydrated throughout the day. Explore nearby restaurants and attractions before or after the event. Check organiser updates before travelling. Final Thoughts Road to Nashville Festival 2026 represents one of Sunderland's standout summer events. Combining outstanding live country music, entertainment, food, community spirit and city-centre accessibility, it offers visitors a memorable experience suitable for families, friends and music enthusiasts alike. As part of Sunderland City Council's One Big Summer programme, the festival demonstrates the city's commitment to delivering high-quality public events that boost tourism, celebrate culture and support local businesses. Visitors can look forward to an energetic day filled with music, entertainment and authentic festival experiences in one of the North East's most exciting outdoor venues.

Avian management remains one of the most complex yet lucrative sectors of the modern pest control industry. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) Certificate in Bird Management is an intensive, industry-accredited program designed specifically to address the evolving ecological, ethical, and legal challenges faced by professional pest controllers. Taking place at the BPCA head office in Derby, UK, this comprehensive event provides an elite learning environment that bridges the gap between biological theory and hands-on site management. Attendees will dive deep into the specific behavior of urban pest birds, structural vulnerabilities, and the legal constraints that direct all avian proofing measures within the United Kingdom. Advanced Proofing Techniques and Modern Technologies Managing urban bird populations requires far more than basic deterrence; it requires a deep, technical understanding of structural engineering, architectural styles, and materials. Over the duration of this specialized training event, participants will explore an array of modern bird-proofing hardware, ranging from heavy-duty netting systems and wire arrays to tensioned tracks and optical gel deterrents. Expert instructors will guide delegates through practical, real-world installation scenarios, emphasizing correct tensioning, structural anchoring, and substrate compatibility. By learning how to evaluate buildings for specific nesting, roosting, and loafing pressures, attendees will develop the tactical skills required to design long-lasting, heavy-duty exclusions that successfully protect valuable commercial assets from severe defacement and biohazardous contamination. Navigating the Legal Landscape and Wildlife Legislation In the United Kingdom, all wild birds are protected under strict environmental laws, making statutory compliance a paramount concern for active pest management firms. This BPCA course places a strong educational focus on the Wildlife and Countryside Act, detailing exactly how general licenses operate and when specific, individual licenses must be sought from government bodies. Instructors will walk attendees through the exact legal requirements governing lethal control, egg removal, and nest disruption, ensuring all participants understand how to operate safely without risking severe judicial penalties or public relations backlash. Additionally, the training emphasizes rigorous risk assessments and safe working practices at height, equipping teams to handle complex urban avian projects legally, ethically, and securely. Enhancing Business Growth and Commercial Credibility Earning the BPCA Certificate in Bird Management does more than validate a technician's field skills—it acts as a powerful asset for corporate business development. As corporate clients, local authorities, and facilities managers become increasingly risk-averse, they prioritize contractors who possess formal, verified credentials from recognized trade associations. Completing this accredited course equips pest management businesses to bid confidently on large-scale commercial contracts, including food manufacturing plants, historical landmarks, transport hubs, and high-rise real estate developments. By proving compliance with strict British and European standards, certified professionals can elevate their service offerings, justify premium pricing structures, and confidently step ahead of competitors operating without formal industry credentials.

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is proud to present the East Midlands Regional Training Forum, a premier gathering for pest management professionals, local authorities, and facilities managers. As the leading trade body for the UK pest management industry, the BPCA hosts these forums to ensure that high standards of professionalism and public health are maintained throughout the region. This upcoming event in Derby offers a comprehensive day of technical seminars, practical workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees will gain deep insights into the latest legislative changes, including the second phase of Awaab’s Law and its implications for pest control in social and private housing. Our technical experts will lead sessions on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, exploring innovative ways to tackle common and emerging pests while adhering to strict environmental and safety regulations. Beyond the technical sessions, the forum serves as a vital platform for the "Pest Control Community." It bridges the gap between manufacturers, distributors, and frontline technicians. You will have the opportunity to interact with leading industry suppliers who will be showcasing the latest tools, baits, and digital monitoring technologies designed to make your daily operations more efficient. For those tracking professional development, this event is a significant milestone. Attendees can earn up to 7.5 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points, essential for maintaining BPCA Registered status and other industry certifications. Whether you are a sole trader, a technician for a large firm, or a health and safety officer, this forum provides the local context and national expertise needed to excel in the evolving landscape of 2026. Join us for a day of learning, debate, and professional growth in the heart of Derby.