THOUSANDS of people will gather for one of the region's biggest flower shows this weekend.

The Gateshead Spring Flower Show will be held at the Central Nursery, Whickham Highway, Lobley Hill, from 10am to 5pm, on Saturday and Sunday.

Organised by Gateshead Borough Council, the show has grown in recent years and regularly attracts more than 18,000 visitors over the two days.

There will be a variety of entertainment, from brass and pipe bands to street performers, providing music, theatre, comedy and dance for all ages.

The show opens at 10am on Saturday, to the sounds of the Newcastle All Stars Steel Orchestra.

For the children there will be the Bell and Bullock Circus theatre, and storytelling by Malcolm Green, plus bouncy castles, sandpits and facepainting.

More music comes from the Felling Brass Band on Saturday, while the Newcastle Pipe Band will entertain on Sunday.

Gardening experts will be on hand, giving demonstrations and offering helpful hints and advice, on topics including floral art, spring flowering bulbs, herbs, leeks and vegetables, plus the ever popular question-and-answer session by BBC Radio Newcastle's gardening team, Stan and Eddie.

Youngsters under 18 will be admitted free, if accompanied by an adult. Adult tickets cost £6.50, or £4.50 for over-Sixties.

All routes are signposted from the A1 and on-site parking is available at £3 per car. Alternatively, a free park and ride will operate every 15 minutes from Gateshead Civic Centre and the MetroCentre coach park.

For further information, contact the show office on 0191-460 1299.