THOUSANDS of music fans turned out to see some of the biggest names in pop at the first of the region's Feel The Noise Live concerts last night.

Among those performing at Newcastle Racecourse were Darlington's 17-year-old singing sensation Zoe Birkett and Newcastle band The Lighthouse Family.

Zoe's fellow Pop Idol finalists chart-topping Gareth Gates, and Darius Danesh, were also on the bill, along with top boy band Blue, Atomic Kitten, Hear'Say, the Sugababes and Aurora.

Michelle Heaton was performing just across the river from her hometown of Gateshead with her band of Popstars losers Liberty X.

The concert was organised by Metro Radio, and TFM's Feel The Noise Live event takes place in Stockton next Sunday.