NORTH-EAST Pop Idol Zoe Birkett helped North Tyneside's Window on the World Festival get off to a spectacular start at the weekend.

The singer was joined by fellow Pop Idol contestants Aaron Bayley and Rik Waller on the festival's Metro Radio stage, overlooking the River Tyne in North Shields, on Saturday.

Other acts performing at the start of the three-day event, which ends today, included the Bootleg Beatles, the Eric Clapton tribute band, Classic Clapton, and a selection of local talent.

After the first day, police congratulated visitors for their good behaviour, although 20 people were arrested for public order offences related to drunkenness.

Festival director Brian Topping said: "We've had a great start to the weekend and are thankful to have had such fabulous weather.

"With over 180 hours of live music on four stages, Orange Window on the World is certainly the place to be this bank holiday."

Today's highlights include the lighting of a jubilee beacon by Aaron Bayley, North Tyneside Mayor Chris Morgan and TV presenter Pam Royle, at 2pm in Northumberland Square; a performance by reggae group Aswad on the Fish Quay's World Stage, at 9pm; and a firework display, at 10.15pm. For more details, log on to www.orangewow.co.uk