AMATEUR and professional musicians joined forces at the weekend as part of a family music event.

Beginners of all ages were helped on their first steps to music-making in a relaxed and fun atmosphere at Darlington's Arts Centre.

Workshops included making a samba band using kitchen utensils as instruments, gospel choir singing, gumboot dancing and making instruments out of junk.

Beginners were also given the chance to have their first singing lesson or to try out a new instrument.

Bands and singers performed in a continuous programme of concerts, workshops and performances throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Amicus, a group of special needs children who have learnt a variety of instruments, also took to the stage.

The event was organised by Making Music, a national organisation dedicated to getting more people involved in music, The National Foundation for Youth Music and the Carnegie Trust which aims to get children into music.