SHOPPERS in Stockton were treated to an hour-long impromptu performance that brought the town centre to a standstill.

The arrival of an upright piano kick started the entertainment with a mixture of music, dance and mime to brighten up a damp miserable day for residents.

Mike McGrother, creative partner of the event, said: “Modern society is driven by virtual, internet approaches to communication, retail and livelihood but we are exploring – during the physical regeneration phase of Stockton High Street, how ‘space’ and the High Street can host complementary activity to retail and commerce, effectively a regeneration of attitudes to Town Centre usage.”

Performers included the Town Choir, Karen Heritage dance school , Stockton Riverside College, several schools, an intriguing Silver Man as well as members Stockton’s most successful bands including Cattle and Cane, Young Rebel Set, The Southmartins and Mr McGrother’s own Wildcats of Kilkenny.