MUSIC professionals from around the world have been finding out about North-East culture.
More than 50 cultural leaders from 20 European countries visited Newcastle and Gateshead as part of the area's bid for Capital of Culture. They attended the Northern Sounds conference hosted by Northern Stage and Music Centre Gateshead.
Delegates from countries including Russia, Finland, Iceland, Poland and Germany saw Tyneside at its best as thousands flocked to the river to see the University Boat Race.
The Northern Stage weekend for European Theatre brought together some of the world's top directors and producers to explore collaborations with the region's companies, including Live Theatre, Cleveland Theatre Company and Theatre Sans Frontieres.
Paul Collard, programme director for Capital of Culture, said: "It was extraordinary to witness the friendship and excitement generated by these events. In 2008, we want to celebrate our culture by working with other European and world cultures."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article