The biggest names in music arrive on Teesside for Radio 1's Big Weekend

Radio One's Big Weekend has kicked off in Middlesbrough where top international artists are performing in the town's Stewart Park. Credit: PA

Radio One's Big Weekend has kicked off in Middlesbrough where top international artists are performing in the town's Stewart Park.

Thousands of lucky ticket holders gathered for the moment that the gates opened this morning to enjoy a day of music in the sunshine.

Among the acts taking to the stage over the two day long music festival is singer song-writer James Arthur who comes from Saltburn. He's not the only local artist flying the flag for the North East at the festival. North Shields' Sam Fender is also performing, as are Little Mix. Jade and Perrie from the girlband are from South Shields.

Other artists on the line-up include Stormzy, Miley Cyrus, The 1975, Billie Eilish and Mumford and Sons.

More than 70,000 people are expected to attend the festival over the two days.

Thousands of excited fans patiently waited for the event to get underway on Saturday afternoon.