Nearly 1500 people enjoyed the cream of Sunderland's music talent at the city's first annual Split Festival. From top bands and comedians, to circus performers and fireworks, the crowds at Ashbrooke Sports Club were treated to a fantastic line-up of entertainment.

The inaugural event proved a big success, as an audience ranging from babies to teenagers and mums and dads to pensioners, had fun in the autumn sun.

Organisers, including Wearside band The Futureheads, hope to make the festival an annual event to showcase Sunderland as a music city.

And those who turned out yesterday definitely hope to see it return.

The event was headlined by The Futureheads and also featured bands Field Music, Frankie and The Heartstrings, B>E>A>K> and Sea of Glass.

Earlier in the day, the North East's up-and-coming comedians entertained the crowd. The event ended with a fireworks display.

The festival was organised by Wearsiders who included The Futureheads' Barry Hyde and Field Music's Peter Brewis, supported by chairman and vice-chairman of the sports club, Rob Deverson and Paul Amundsen.

Rob said: "It was unbelievable. It was an amazing event. The best thing about it was that everybody was so relaxed and just enjoyed it.

Everything just clicked."

The festival was split between two stages, at opposite ends of a marquee.

Michael McKnight, from Frankie and The Heartstrings, said: "It's fantastic. It's really thrilling that people have made the effort to make this happen and people have made the effort to come along."

Friends Alexandra Jordan, 26, and Emma Price, 31, from Wingate, East Durham, and Deborah Todd, from Ashbrooke, were among those enjoying the event.

Alexandra said: "We're having a really good time. It's a great way to spend a sunny Sunday."