A HOST of musicians were on top form yesterday at the highest-ever gig to take place in a North-East town.

The lofty concert, on the 17th floor of Middlesbrough's tallest building, Centre North-East, marked the launch of Middlesbrough Music Live - a free pop festival which is taking place on Monday, June 3.

The Bank Holiday event, attended by 30,000 people last year, ties in with the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations and will feature a line-up of top chart acts and local groups.

Yesterday, surrounded by panoramic views of Teesside, a "supergroup" of local singers, backed by The Rye, belted out The Beatles' All You Need is Love, the official Golden Jubilee music.

While the music played, gig-goers were shown from the window the seven sites around Middlesbrough where live acts will perform on June 3.

Festival programmer Graham Ramsay said this year's event was going to be the biggest and best yet.

The main acts are expected to be confirmed later this week.

"We can't say yet who is going to headline, but they have had a couple of massive hit singles in the past year. There'll be other big chart names, too.

"I think this event works because people realise it is not just about the headliners. We put a lot of effort into making sure the bands on the small stages are as good as the big acts."

Judith Croft, Middlesbrough Council's entertainments and events manager, said the ten-hour festival was expected to attract huge crowds.

"We are into our third year now and the festival is gaining a great reputation and just getting better and better," she said.