THE Great Exhibition of the North’s full programme – including trails, venues, exhibits and installations across Newcastle and Gateshead – officially opens in spectacular style today,

At 1pm, the start of the free, once-in-a-lifetime exhibition will be marked with a burst of confetti along the Quayside, and sound installation Whistle by artist, Steve Messam, which will send the sound of a steam locomotive whistle around the route of Newcastle’s ancient city walls.

Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “The Great Exhibition of the North is an incredible celebration of the very best of Northern innovation, design and culture. It is a unique showcase that demonstrates the role the North of England is playing in shaping our future.

“Newcastle-Gateshead will put on a fantastic festival for the whole country. It will once more highlight the creative strength of the Northern Powerhouse and how cultural investment can boost economies and inspire communities.”

The day will culminate in a free, sold-out evening event, which will see the Quayside come to life.

With an anticipated live audience of more than 20,000, and thousands more via live streaming, crowds will be immersed in an opening spectacular with bands, choirs, dance, animation and street performances.

Event-goers will enjoy a live performance from Mercury prize nominated northern rock band Maximo Park, and an appearance by renowned poet, Lemn Sissay introducing his newly created Anthem of the North.

Visitors will witness the UK’s largest water sculpture, measuring 80m in length.

After dark, the water sculpture will dance to specially-commissioned musical collaborations by Maximo Park and Kate Rusby with Royal Northern Sinfonia and Darkstar.

Maximo Park Musician, Paul Smith said: “As someone born in the North-East, and who has remained here to make music and be part of our artistic community, I’m very proud to be part of the Great Exhibition’s opening event.

“Playing an open-air concert while floating down the River Tyne will be lots of fun, and I’m excited to see what the water feature will look like when it synchronizes with our newly-commissioned song, North By North East.”

The evening will draw to a close with a UK premiere showcase by Skymagic, – a newly launched performance drone joint venture from Leeds-based Newsubstance – who have created a drone-led art show that will fill the sky with a mesmerising performance.