THOUSANDS of people were rocking in the sweltering heat yesterday when one of the country's greatest free music festivals returned to the region.

Crowds flocked to the centre of Teesside for Middlesbrough Music Live, which saw 80 bands perform throughout the day.

Six stages set up across the town centre showcased a variety of live acts, offering something for everyone, from guitar bands to punk, and foot-stomping country to blues.

Headlining the show last night in Central Gardens were The Thrills, but other big names included nineties duo The Proclaimers, the Wildcats of Kilkenny, Nine Black Alps and the Editors.

It was the sixth year Middlesbrough Council had funded the event, and organisers said it just got bigger and better every year.

Promoter Graham Ramsay, of Ten Foot Tall promotions, said the festival was growing in reputation every year as one of the leading free festivals in Britain.

"It seems to be going ok, and we have a great turnout," he said.

"The fact that it's free and right in an urban centre makes it accessible to everyone, and it feels like it has got quite a lot of artistic integrity.

"There are an awful lot of people who travel to it from across Britain, from as far as London, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds.

"And I think this year, the festival is strong musically. I think it's a good year for music all-round."

Music-lovers from young to old turned out for the series of gigs yesterday, with some taking advantage of the hot weather and setting up blankets and even a tent.

But others just stripped off to skimpy clothing to catch some rays while sitting back and enjoying the sounds.

Stage manager John Turner, of Yorkshire Audio, was in charge of the main stage throughout the day, after having taken part in the event since the beginning, in 1999.

He said: "We have had no problems and it's going really efficiently. The bands are running on time and everyone seems to be having a good time."

He said White Rose Movement broke down on their way to the event, so arrived with just 20 minutes to go before their slot, but even that went smoothly.

"They had to get a bit of a sweat on to get the gear ready, but they did it and went on on time," he said.

"It's been great."