ORGANISERS of the first Great Exhibition of the North are celebrating after smashing its audience goal.

The 80-day programme of 300 events, performances, installations and activities were launched in June with a fanfare of music, word, a water sculpture and innovative drone display.

An evaluation to establish its impact has shown it attracted an audience of 3.8 million - significantly more than the three million goal.

The survey found 85 oer cent of local residents were proud to have the cultural programme across Newcastle and Gateshead while 84 per cent of visitors would recommend the area to friends and relatives - and 90 per cent said the exhibition had changed perceptions.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive of the exhibition’s lead delivery partner, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Seeing the final evaluation has provided us with much to celebrate and we’re delighted with the results.

“It’s been an incredibly exciting project to work on and we have all been overwhelmed by the generosity of our partners, volunteers and colleagues who have shown immense passion and dedication throughout.”

The evaluation also highlighted achievements across the opening and closing events, the schools’ programme, business summit and business support activities, the Family Expo and volunteer progamme as well as the “Inspired by Programme” which saw events and activities brought to life across the wider northern region.

To see the report visit getnorth2018.com/final-evaluation