North East hosts weekend of summer events
IT WAS a weekend of family fun as hundreds turned out to enjoy green-themed events and relax by the river.
Summer arrived in the North East on Saturday as people made the most of what the region had to offer as they soaked up the sun.
Leading the way with its environment-themed events was Newcastle's Green Festival.
The festival, which is in its 15th year, was held in Leazes Park on Saturday and Sunday.
On offer were family activities such as circus schools and dancing workshops, as well as musical performances and stalls giving information on all aspects of green living.
Michael and Annette Anderson from Wallsend brought daughter Clover, 12, and son Jasper, seven, to enjoy the fun.
Michael said: "This is a great family day out because there's so much going on for the children and you can also try and make them aware of green issues.
"The atmosphere is great, really chilled out."
Ouseburn councillor Gareth Kane and partner Karen brought their sons Harry, three, and Jimmy, seven months, to the event.
Coun Kane said: "It's the first time we've come as a family and it's a great event.
"It shows that green can be fun, it's not just hair shirts."
The festival, which is organised by volunteers, began in the mid-1990s and has grown to include scores of community groups and attracts tens of thousands of people.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the river crowds in Gateshead enjoyed the Beating Retreat, performed by the Nottingham Band of the Royal Engineers.
In Tynedale the weekend was all about riverside relaxation as Hexham staged its popular annual regatta.
Almost 2,000 visitors turned up to watch 1,200 competitors take part in races over 750m on the River Tyne.
Families with a sense of adventure were also catered for.
They flocked to the historical town as a free day out was laid on at the Kingswood Dukehouse Wood.
Children and adults were able to try their hand at a variety of activities, including abseiling, zip-wiring and climbing.
Dukehouse Wood has recently undergone a refurbishment to improve its standing as a residential activity centre.
The grounds now boast a new quad bike track, indoor laser arena, indoor climbing wall, high rope, zipwire and outdoor laser.