With the weather forecast to warm up for the weekend (albeit with a chance of thundery showers) it could be time to dust off the barbie.

But what are the key components to a proper Teesside barbecue?

Here’s our top ten.

1. Supervision of the flame

Like moths to a flame, men inextricably gather around.

Their eyes glint, the flames dance and they chat and prod at the meat with a knowing flair never before demonstrated - or recreated - in normal domesticity.

Like moths to a flame

2. Rain

You can’t have a barbecue in Teesside without at least a spattering of rain. Fact.

Croydon Road Middlesbrough Flood
Croydon Road Middlesbrough Flood

3. BBQ snobs

Is yours a self-constructed pile of bricks or the latest in flame-grilling piece de resistance from B&Q in Portrack Lane? It matters. You will be judged.

Blooma Ultar burner gas BBQ from B&Q

4. Drunken debates

The alcohol starts flowing earlier than usual, leading to inevitable 'discussions' as the night goes on.

Pork or chicken parmos?

Who's the hardest bloke on Teesside?

Not important, but mid-argument it seemed important. Very.

Who's the hardest in Boro?

5. A takeaway order

Despite everyone scoffing their faces with piles of meat of all descriptions, come 11pm another feed is needed to soak up a bit of the booze.

There’s always room for a parmo. 

A 'proper' parmo

6. Late-night karaoke

You can’t remember whose idea it was, but it seemed like a really good one.

The Spice Girls Wannabe with several of your thirty-something friends seemed like a good idea too.

You were Posh Spice. Obv.

Posh Spice on the Teesside barbecue karaoke

7. Post-Fruit Shoot behaviour

You bought a shed load of them. It keeps them quiet - for a few minutes until it sends them wild.

Throw in some Haribo and they’re never going to sleep.

One too many...

8. Unwanted Nudity

Which bloke will be the first to whip off their top at the first sniff of sun and display their MFC tatt to magnificent effect?

Boro tattoo

9. A lingering house guest.

What time will they go? Will they ever go? Probably not. Time to call a Boro Taxi.

10. The promise not to do it again for a long time

Once a year is enough. See you again next year.