THE public has been given a preview of the interior of the Sage Gateshead which is due to open soon.

During the next few weeks, the Sage Gateshead will be running a short campaign to reveal some of the innovative features of the building on the Tyne in the run-up to the official opening on December 17.

With only two weeks to go the Sage is revealing the first piece of the puzzle, giving a glimpse inside Hall One, which has seating for up 1,700 people on three levels.

The stage, which is set at the front of the concert hall has the capacity to be changed into a variety of configurations depending on the type of performance, which will maximise audience enjoyment of both acoustic and amplified music.

The two halls will be the hub for musical activity with about 400 live performances, and a music participation programme delivering hundreds of thousands of sessions each year, with exclusive opportunities to hear international musicians in Gateshead.

Tickets for the opening weekend have already been allocated but the building will be open to the public from Monday, December 20.