THE Queen and Prince Philip will enjoy a real North-East music night to remember during the Queen's Golden Jubilee visit to Tyneside, in May.

A Royal Gala concert in the City Hall on May 7, hosted by singer Sir Thomas Allen, will highlight the area's bid to become European Capital of Culture for 2008.

It will also be a chance for music north to demonstrate the kind of concerts being planned for the new £70m Gateshead Music Centre.

The Royal visitors will hear Sir Thomas sing Water of Tyne, as well as Kathryn Tickell playing the Northumbrian Pipes, saxophonist Andy Sheppard performing his musical tribute to the Millennium Bridge, and Northern Sinfonia, joined by conductor Jane Glover and pianist Imogen Cooper.

The programme also features Sinfonia leader Bradley Creswick on violin with Folkworks artistic director Alistair Anderson on concertina.

The region's youth classical, jazz and folk artists are also featured, and North-East filmmakers Amber Films will project images of the region's shipbuilding heritage.

Music Centre general manager Anthony Sargeant said: "The heart of Music Centre Gateshead's vision is about celebrating today's greatest musicians while training and developing the musicians of the future, and encouraging tomorrow's young talent."

Tickets for the gala, priced from £12 to £55, go on sale on Monday and can be booked by dialing Freephone 0800 953 0070.

During her visit to the North-East, the Queen will officially open the Millennium Bridge over the Tyne, visit the Baltic Contemporary Art Gallery and unveil a sculpture to the late Cardinal Basil Hume.