He's landed the world's first triple flair and taken Olympic silver — this summer, Kieran Reilly is bringing his talents back to the ramp where it all began.

Team Extreme are returning to Metrocentre this summer with their adrenaline-fuelled Half Pipe Show, joined by a very special guest: record-breaking BMX rider and local legend Kieran Reilly.

The 25-year-old made history in 2022 by becoming the first person to land a "triple flair" — three backflips with a single 180° rotation — before going on to take gold at the European Championships in 2023 and silver at the 2024 Olympics, among a string of other titles.

Fresh from competing at this summer's X Games in the United States, Reilly will return to his native Gateshead to join Team Extreme's world-class line-up of riders for two days of gravity-defying BMX, skateboard, inline and scooter displays across Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August.

Spectators can watch heart-in-mouth as riders launch themselves high above the giant half pipe set-up in Exhibition Square, pulling off everything from complex flips, tailwhips and barspins to 360 and 540 combos and high-flying straight airs.

Metrocentre Marketing Manager Helen Atkinson said the addition of a hometown hero had sharpened anticipation for this year's show.

"With Team Extreme, you always know you are in for a jaw-dropping display, but the announcement that BMX legend and local lad Kieran Reilly is to star in this year's line-up has really added to the sense of anticipation around the 2026 show," she said.

"Whether you know your airs and grabs from your spins, or it's all new to you, come along and prepare to be impressed by back-to-back aerial tricks at a blink-and-you'll-miss-it pace. It's a must-see experience that will have the whole family talking about it long after the event itself."

As in previous years, the Summer 2026 Half Pipe Show is free to attend with no need to book, although arriving early is advised to secure a good viewing spot, with crowds expected. Display times will be published in the days running up to the event at themetrocentre.co.uk/whats-on.

Adding to the energy at Metrocentre across the same weekend, local sports clubs and organisations will take over nearby Town Square to promote the many ways to get active across the North East. Among them will be Newcastle Eagles, the most successful team in British basketball history, who celebrate their 30th anniversary season this September. The club's players and coaches will run a pop-up court showcasing core skills, with visitors invited to test their aim at the free-throw line for the chance to win tickets to upcoming games. Younger visitors will also have the chance to meet official mascot Swoop the Eagle.

The sporting weekend is one of several events Metrocentre is staging over the summer holidays, building towards the popular Roller Rink in Exhibition Square, running from Tuesday 18 August until the Bank Holiday Monday on the 31st.

"It's all part and parcel of Metrocentre's commitment to help parents with the logistics and cost of keeping youngsters entertained over the holidays," said Atkinson, "providing a mix of free and budget-friendly options designed to engage in the here and now, and encourage new activities and interests longer-term."

Roller Rink sessions — including Learn to Skate, SEND-friendly and open skating slots — can be booked at powerthroughsport.com/book-now.