Festival of the North East

A festival has been launched to celebrate art, music and history across the whole of the North East.

More than 150 events will be held throughout June as part of 'The Festival of the North East.'

Organisers say that it is the first time a festival has been held on this scale in our region.

Jonny Blair was at today's press call and you can watch his full report below.

The Festival of the North East was launched today. More than 150 events will run throughout June celebrating art, science, industry and history in the region.

Organisers say it is the first time a festival of this size has been held here.

Highlights include; 'The Foghorn Requiem' where a concert will be conducted at Souter lighthouse using ships' horns, and 'Riveting Stuff' where budding engineers can perform hands-on experiments at Stockton's Tees Barrage.

There are also concerts, special exhibitions and art shows across the region.

For a full guide check the festival website www.Festivalne.com

The festival is set to coincide with the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

The historic manuscripts, written in Northumberland, will be displayed in Durham for 3 months, on loan from The British Library in London.

Paul Smith, from Newcastle band Maximo Park, told ITV News about why he felt it was important to get involved with this year's Festival of the North East.

Anthony Sergeant, Chair of the Festival of the North East, has been speaking to ITV News about the new event and what it is hoping to achieve.

A new festival celebrating the culture and heritage of the North East has been launched in Stockton.

A press call for the event took place this morning ahead of the festival - which is due to take place in June.

More than 150 events will take place across the region to celebrate art, industry and history.

Highlights will include a cliff-top foghorn concert and a tribute to the Angel of the North.

The festival is also set to coincide with the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels.