THOUSANDS of music fans flocked to the river bank at Allensford, County Durham, yesterday for six hours of live music.

Organisers estimated that 9,000 fans turned out for an afternoon of live music and half as many were turned away as car parks were closed by 2pm.

Many went to to see local singer Karen McManus making her first live appearance since winning the Star for a Night contest on television, when former Take That manager Nigel Martin-Smith described her as Britain's Celine Dion.

As she came off stage after a show-stopping performance in brilliant sunshine, despite the early torrential rain, Karen said: "I just love singing for people. I have been in the studio for months and it's great to be out performing live again, especially to a home crowd."

Karen shared the bill with Bobby Valentino and Eastside Torpedo who finished the show.

The event, organised by Northern Recording and Derwentside District Council, is in its eighth year.