THE growing pulling power of Corbridge Festival continues to build on its reputation as one of the best music events across the North-East.

More than 5,000 music lovers enjoyed a spectacular line-up at Tynedale Rugby Club, with the enthusiastic crowd treated to a varied bill that appealed to
all tastes at the family-friendly event.

Headline act The Undertones attracted hundreds of fans from across the country wanting to hear such iconic punk tracks as Teenage Kicks and Here Comes the Summer, while the UK’s number one beatboxing act Bloxed Beats went down a storm with the younger generation.

To attract artists with the pedigree of The Undertones, who still pack a punch despite being at their peak in the 1970s and 80s, and high profile warm-up acts such as members of 90s band The Wonder Stuff, Angie Brown and The Seahorses’ front man Chris Helme, proves the increasing appeal of this festival, as it marked its fifth year.

As expected, the headliners stole the show with the crowd barely able to catch their breath between the tracks of an energetic set.

A sea of people joined in with the lyrics of those legendary hits of yesteryear, and The Undertones appearance on the main stage was a fitting way to bring such an action-packed, fun-filled Saturday to a close.

They had to battle it out with Leeds trio Bloxed Beats for highlight of the festival though; the immensely talented lads bringing about the first real dancing frenzy.

Using nothing but their impressive vocal range to recreate modern hits, their two 20-minute slots were nothing short of amazing.

In fact, such is the talent in
this the three-man act that it was easy to forget there were no backing tracks or instruments as they executed each snare, synthesizer and bass line to perfection.

Away from the main stage, an act closer to home brought proceedings in the acoustic tent – sponsored by local pub the Blue Bell – to an end with great panache.

North-East five-piece Ourselves & Us, led by Hexham’s Chris Fawcett, must have won themselves some new fans with their unique blend of rap and acoustic pop.

While they had to rush through their set due to technical problems, their performance scored highly with those in attendance.

Last year’s acoustic headliner Chris Helme was promoted to the main stage following his impressive set and his performance this time around justified that decision.

The crowd was caught out by how many tracks they recognised, particularly The Seahorses’ Love is the Law and Blinded by the Sun.

Later in the evening, a large gathering congregated at the front for Miles Hunt (guitar) and Erica Nockalls (violin) from The Wonder Stuff, the duo leading a sing-a-long with top 10 hit The Size of a Cow.

They followed a thumping display from Yorkshire ska band The Talks and a rousing set from Hartlepool rock band The Jar Family.

The surprise package of the day was Ovingham duo Ettrick Scott and Dean Parker, under the guise of Jazz Riot. They proved a hit on both stages by combining the spoken word with top class guitar riffs to great effect.

Also enjoying the limelight on the main stage was Wylam singer/songwriter Charlie Dancer, with talented teenage vocalists Amy Ridley, of Humshaugh, and Anna Harrison, of Allendale, impressing on the Blue Bell stage.

They shared a place in the packed acoustic line-up with a total of 17 acts – guitar and
piano duo JustSO a particular highlight of this display of musical talent.

Added to such top-class billing of musical talent across all genres, was a festival atmosphere that made it a great day out fro all the family, together with rides and craft activities to keep even the youngest entertained.

It will take something special to top this year’s line-up, but main orgainser, and music fan, Cheryl Durkin knows her stuff and, doubtless, will have a few aces up her sleeve to build on Corbridge Festival’s growing stature.