Freevolution, the final event of the Evolution Festival, saw the Quayside packed yesterday.
Thousands turned out for the climactic Bank Holiday offering, as excited about the new talent on show as the established favourites.
Moving between the Imagination Stage at Baltic Square, Gateshead, and the Innovation Stage on Spiller's Wharf, Newcastle, the crowds were treated to a range of music before a fitting final act courtesy of local lads Maximo Park.
While the music was an obvious draw, there was a great deal more contributing to the positive feeling on both sides of the Tyne. Several fans commented on the positive impact of such events for the reputation of the partnership between Newcastle and Gateshead. Speaking midway through the programme, Catherine Metcalfe, 19, a student from Hexham, Northumberland said: "There's a really great community spirit.
"The atmosphere has been really lively. Seven Heroes were really good and seemed to be very popular with the crowds.
"Everyone is so excited about Maximo Park but the quality of music overall has been very good. I've seen a few who look like good up-and-coming indie bands."
Friends Ben Gibson, Richard Connor and Danielle Mason, who all attend St Thomas More school in Blaydon were taking a break from revising for their AS levels.
Ben, 16, from Rowlands Gill, said: "It's been great seeing some good new bands. Out of everything we've seen I like the Motorettes but I'm really looking forward to the big stuff later on. Seeing Maximo Park will be amazing because they are local. I think they're going to get a great reception.
"The best thing about today has to be the fact it's free.
"But I think Newcastle could host even bigger music festivals to compete with Leeds and Reading."
Richard, 17, from Blaydon, said: "I'm really looking forward to hearing the bigger bands later but the rest has been good so far. There has been a real mixture of stuff.
"I think the atmosphere has been brilliant but it's going to get better and better as it gets darker. It's always the same at music festivals - the excitement builds."
Danielle, 16, from Whickham, said: "All in all it's been very entertaining.
"There's been a mix of age groups. It's nice to see so much collection going on for charity as well."
