Three Stockton-on-Tees landmarks will be lit red on Friday 16 October as the borough joins a national day opposing racism.
Newport Bridge, Stockton town centre and Stockton Riverside are due to take part in Wear Red Day, organised by the education charity Show Racism the Red Card. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council says councillors and officers will also wear red, while its Race Equality Network is running a fundraiser for the charity.
The lighting will be delivered through the council’s memorial lighting scheme. By including the town centre, riverside and a major Tees crossing, the programme will place the campaign in several highly visible parts of the borough rather than at a single council building.
A campaign with national
This year is the twelfth Wear Red Day. Show Racism the Red Card says 7,000 people registered for the first event in 2014 and 710,000 took part in 2024. The charity has set a target of one million participants for 2026.
The campaign uses the profile of football and footballers to challenge racism and discrimination. Show Racism the Red Card is marking its 30th anniversary this year, having worked with schools, workplaces and communities since its launch in 1996.
Councillor Norma Stephenson, the council’s for access, communities and community safety, said the authority wanted to a clear message that “there is absolutely no room for racism, hatred and ”. She said people across the borough could take part by wearing red and supporting the charity if they were able.
Football history at Preston Park
The day also has a link to an exhibition already running at Preston Park Museum. First Black XI, staged for Black History Month, recognises the first 11 Black players to represent Middlesbrough Football Club.
The exhibition remains open until Sunday 1 November. It places the national campaign beside a specific part of Tees Valley football history, giving visitors a way to learn about players who played in the local game.
That local link matters because football sits at the centre of the charity’s educational work. The museum display looks back at representation on the pitch, while Wear Red Day asks current schools, workplaces and communities to address racism now. The two activities are separate, but they share an emphasis on learning through football.
Preston Park Museum is at Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe. Anyone planning a visit should check the museum’s current opening times and admission information before travelling.
How to take part
Residents, schools and workplaces can join Wear Red Day by wearing red on Friday 16 October. The charity’s national campaign page also provides registration information and educational resources for organisations planning their own activity.
Donations can be made by texting RED, RED5, RED10 or RED20 to 70470 to give £1, £5, £10 or £20 . Texts cost the chosen donation plus the sender’s standard message .
The council’s announcement covers the landmark lighting, staff activity and museum exhibition. The national participation figures and 2026 target come from Show Racism the Red Card. Together they place Stockton’s plans within a campaign that has grown considerably since its first year while keeping the local focus on education, football history and practical participation.