On 7th June, local artists: Finn Forster, Spilt Milk, Lizzie Esau and Noyou will perform to Teesside University’s Students’ Union in a competition for opening slot at James Arthur’s huge show the following day. After their performances, James Arthur and Shakk, the new BBC Music Introduction presenter for Teesside, will choose who will be the opening act.

The concert is part of the singer’s Bitter Sweet Love tour, and there will be exciting guest performances from McFly and Lauran Hibberd.

It was Arthur’s family who chose the four finalists, and had the difficult task of choosing from over one hundred artists who entered the Road to the Riverside competition.

The competition was Arthur’s idea, however it has been organised by ‘Make A Scene’, a brand who promote independent and alternative rock across the North East. Arthur’s sister, Sian, told the BBC that he hopes to “give young bands and singers the chance to support him, to give back to the local community”. To be eligible to enter, all artists must be from the North East, allowing Arthur and attendees to reunite with Middlesborough’s music scene.

One of the final contestants, Spilt Milk, who are from James Arthur’s home town Redcar, spoke to the BBC about being in the final, saying winning would be a “dream come true”, adding that the crowds of Teesside have always given “great support” for them.