James Arthur will return home as he prepares to perform at the Riverside Stadium next weekend.

The singer, born in Redcar, will perform at the venue on Saturday (June 8) following his tour of the US.

The former Middlesbrough season ticket holder described his return as a full circle moment.

He said: “The feeling is kind of indescribable – it’s the ultimate sense of achievement to play in my home stadium,” he said.

 “I got the news last year all in one hit that I’d be playing Wembley Arena, the O2 and the Riverside.

The Northern Echo: James Arthur Credit: TVCA

“Those three things have been in my head since last year – they are three amazing venues, and the pinnacle is playing the Riverside Stadium.

“That’ll be the highlight of this year and probably many years to come. I don’t know if there will be many things in my life which I’ll achieve which will be more special than that.”

He said the Teesside scene was the perfect place for local bands and artists to thrive and develop.

“The scene did feel very vibrant and a place where local bands and artists could thrive,” he added.

“I played a lot in places like Uncle Albert’s and the KU Bar, in Stockton, as well as a lot of pubs and clubs.

“Middlesbrough, and Stockton in particular, had quite a few venues to play with great artists.

“National Artists came through – it felt like Middlesbrough was a bit of a hub for talent.

“The North East does have a lot of talent and that does come from there being a real working-class life experience and perspective – that makes for good art.

The Northern Echo: James Arthur Credit: TVCA

“People are in pain and Middlesbrough does have poverty and hardship. I definitely credit that for aspects of my artistry, writing and my work ethic.”

Four acts from the region will compete in a battle of the bands on the eve of the musician’s Riverside performance – with the winner set to join him on stage and play the opening slot at his Riverside gig.

“We’re going to be filming that and trying to give exposure to a lucky local act,” he added.

“I’ll keep shouting the word about the local area.”

James Arthur moved to Saltburn at the age of 19 and singled out the area as a great spot for budding acts.

“It’s a great spot and my family and I love it there – anyone around the country would have a good time there,” he added.

“Redcar is my hometown – we’re blessed with the seafront, coast, and seaside vibe.

“There are a lot of cool venues in Stockton and Middlesbrough – I think Stockton now is a place where, now they’ve got a great theatre, people want to come and play.”

The singer added McFly will open the show and he is looking forward to a “momentous day out.”

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“It will be filmed, documented, and it’ll be an amazing night,” he added.

“I’m excited to see everybody there.”

For more information on James’s homecoming gig, visit here.