FESTIVAL frenzy abounded across the region at the weekend as frustrated music fans finally got to see some live performances after the Covid hiatus.

The wet weekend weather failed to dampen spirits as a top line-up entertained the crowds whether it was at Hardwick Live, Let’s Rock the North East, or for Keane and The Sherlocks at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, or for the pomp and passion of the proms at Castle Howard.

But for the lucky ticket holders at Hardwick Live, the sun finally came out for the second day programme yesterday.

Following last year’s cancellation, ticket holders queued eagerly for wrist bands on arrival at the Hardwick Hall Hotel and grounds, in Sedgefield.

There was something for all tastes, from Maximo Park, to Rebecca Ferguson, Imelda May, Nile Rodgers and Chic on Saturday.

Sunday’s line-up included Nirvana tribute act Elvana, Embrace, Razorlight, with Rag ‘N’ Bone Man headlining for the evening session.

Away from the main stage other varied artists featured in The Courtyard, the Treehouse Arena, in the Soul Tent and on the Introducing Stage.

Herrington Country Park, in the shadow of Penshaw Monument, saw a throwback to the eighties, at Let’s Rock the North East, on Saturday.

It was a Who’s Who of the 1980s’ music scene, featuring Go West, Toyah, Captain Sensible, Pete Wylie, Jaki Graham, Heaven 17, Midge Ure, Sister Sledge, Howard Jones, ABC, OMD, rounded off with The Human League.

Keane, supported by Sheffield indie band The Sherlocks, lit up the Open Air Theatre in Scarborough, despite a torrential downpour minutes before the show began.

Live music returns to the theatre next week, with Olly Murs, on Friday, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, on Saturday, and Anne-Marie, on Sunday.

Castle Howard’s 30th Proms concert, on Saturday, may have got off to a wet start, but it failed to deter the 7,000-strong audience from their patriotic flag waving and cheering throughout the evening programme for the welcome return of the open-air concert to the North Yorkshire historic house.

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