A DIVERSE range of musicians came together in the North-East at the weekend to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s leading chamber orchestra.

The Sage Gateshead hosted the eclectic musical events in honour of the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

The opening gig, RNS Rocks, on Friday, included Martha Hill, Field Music and Maximo Park who joined forces with the orchestra.

On Saturday, the venue held the Big RNS Kids’ Birthday Party and RNS Moves before the final concert on Sunday, the Big RNS Birthday Gala.

The closing event featured works from Beethoven, Mozart, Prokofiev, Haydn and more, followed by a party on the Concourse afterwards with dancing to a live big band.

Thorben Dittes, director of Royal Northern Sinfonia and Classical Programme, said: “We had an incredible start to the orchestra’s birthday, celebrating with three of the North East’s much-loved indie-rock artists.

“Yet this was just one of four big gigs we had this weekend.

“The venue was looking wonderful with a real party feel, including some of our audience portraits on display for the very first time.

“We had such a diverse programme over the weekend days, that there really was something for everyone to be able to enjoy our birthday celebrations.”