The Gathering Sounds Festival 2023, Stockton in pictures

Teesside music lovers gathered in their droves for a long-awaited music festival featuring local talent this weekend - here are some pictures from the day, can you spot yourself?

Stockton was the place to be this Saturday (September 30) for the Gathering Sounds Festival which entertained music lovers across five venues from the early afternoon until late in the evening.

Stockton Arts Centre, KU, The Georgian Theatre, The Storytellers, The Social Room and Stockton Arts Centre ARC2 were ann jam-packed with different artists taking the stage each hour.

Revellers were able to walk the short distance between each venue and check out the packed lineup including headliners Andrew Cushin, The Skinner Brothers, Komparrison, Rolla and Zuzu.

At the quirky bar The Storytellers, performing first was band Lock-In, an energetic Essex band that got the crowd jumping in the early afternoon.

Jumping into the audience, lead singer Benjy Leak exclaimed "Let's have a dance", encouraging attendees to jump along to the music.

Taking the underground dimly lit stage at KU Stockton was Dawks, a Hartlepool lad who performed his new hit Moonflower much to the pleasure of the crowd.

Many in attendance appeared to know the local star, singing along to much of his set.

Upstairs at KU was The Social Room, a picturesque 1970s-style venue with a checkered dance floor and bright orange furniture to match where Martha Goddard was preparing to perform.

Describing her style as "ethereal alt-pop", the Liverpool songwriter performed her single Circles as part of her set, admitting she was pleased to see the crowd as she "has been writing songs since (she) could speak".

A short walk away down a well-hidden alley was The Georgian Theatre, where Sunderland band Picnic burst on stage.