AN estimated 15,000 people gathered for a music event celebrating the region's culture yesterday.
The 12-day Orange Evolution festival culminated in a free, all-day event on both banks of the River Tyne.
Among the acts taking to several stages were chart-toppers Moloko, DJ Pete Tong, indie favourites Inspiral Carpets and reggae star Gregory Isaacs.
The festival got off to a shaky start, when about 1,000 people were left queuing for an hour before being let in after technical problems with the public address system were resolved.
But director Sue Wilkinson said this did not detract from its success.
She said: "In the greatest traditions of rock and roll, things always kick off a little bit late, and health and safety are absolutely paramount at an event where there are 15,000 people."
Ms Wilkinson said some festival-goers were so keen that they turned up two hours before it was due to begin.
She said: "This event has shown that the European Capital of Culture bid is really starting to kick in."
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