Light show for Great Exhibition of the North
More than 20,00zero individuals lined the banks of the Tyne for a present marking begin of the Great Exhibition of the North.
Up to 3 million individuals are anticipated to go to the 80-day pageant, which celebrates the scientific and inventive achievements of the north of England.
The pageant, centred on the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides, is predicted to generate about £184m.
It opened at 13:00 BST, with a additional ceremony at 22:00 BST that includes aerial shows of drones and reside music.
Former Chancellor George Osborne got here up with the thought as half of his Northern Powerhouse scheme.
See reside protection of the launch
Nick Forbes, chief of Newcastle City Council, mentioned: "The Great Exhibition is an opportunity for us to say, loud and proud, that our better days are ahead of us, rather than behind us."
100 drones fitted with LED lights had been piloted in formation between the Sage music centre and the Baltic artwork gallery, choreographed to type completely different 3D shapes.
Projects director Mungo Denison mentioned: "We don't think people have seen something like this before."
There was additionally an 80m water sculpture on the Tyne and a spectacular fireworks show.
The opening evening line-up included Maximo Park, Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid and Stephenson's Rocket.
Among the different highlights are John Lennon's final piano and the unique Postman Pat fashions.
The exhibition will not stop till September, with occasions and trails at 40 venues throughout Tyneside.
Newcastle Gateshead Initiative chief government Sarah Stewart mentioned: "It will reward repeat visits, there's no way someone coming for the day would be able to see all aspects of it."
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, mentioned: "Newcastle-Gateshead will placed on a implausible pageant for the entire nation.
"It will once more highlight the creative strength of the Northern Powerhouse and how cultural investment can boost economies and inspire communities."
Carol Bell, government director of Great Exhibition Of The North, added: "This marks the start of an incredible summer and we hope local residents and visitors from far and wide will come and experience the array of amazing exhibits, live performances and displays of innovation we have on offer for free throughout the summer."
An "alternative" occasion, The Other Exhibition of the North, has additionally been arrange, which organisers say is aimed toward being "broader and more diverse".