ORGANISERS have hailed a "vintage" Stockton Weekender with crowds of more than 12,000 people over two days being drawn to the music festival on the banks of the River Tees.

Saturday headliners Primal Scream were regarded as something of a coup for the event in Stockton, having recently supported The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury.

The alternative rock group tore through a career-spanning set on the main stage in front of a delirious Teesside crowd. Other acts on show over the course of the weekend included The Proclaimers, Dexys, Spiritualised, Frankie and the Heartstrings, Kodaline, King Charles and Temples.

Paul Burns, a director of organisers Tees Music Alliance, said: “It’s been a vintage Stockton Weekender this year.

"The crowds have been out in force to enjoy some top drawer international artists alongside the cream of North-East music."

Mr Burns said there had been some "cracking performances" on the festival's two music stages.

He said: "Primal Scream really made the riverside bounce and our local artists have been right up there in terms of entertaining the crowds with great sets from Weird Shapes, Sarah Proctor, The Purnells and Alistair Sheeran.”

There was relief for festival goers as heavy rain which was predicted to fall on Saturday evening did not arrive until overnight before being replaced by sunny spells on the Sunday.

Paul Grainger, from Coulby Newham, who was celebrating his 18th birthday at the festival with girlfriend Helen, said: “There is not enough out there showcasing Teesside music, so something like this is great.

“It's a good mix of up and coming local bands and bigger bands like Primal Scream.”

Kate Cherrets, who had travelled from her home in London to be at the Weekender, said: “It's a fantastic line-up.

“I feel really lucky to have seen Primal Scream and I'm also loving Temples."

This year due to demand for tickets advance prices were held over the weekend so those turning up on the day weren't charged extra.

As in previous years the festival played host to a comedy tent which included turns by Richard Herring and Canadian Craig Campbell.

Children, who were admitted for free, were entertained in the Kaleidoscope tent with activities such as T-shirt making, juggling and unicycles.