THOUSANDS of revellers are expected to flock to a festival in Middlesbrough on Sunday, the climax of a month of starstudded live music performances across the region.

More than 100 bands will perform across the town centre at Intro, formerly known as Middlesbrough Music Live.

Feeder, The Fun Lovin’ Criminals and rappers Chipmunk and Example will headline on the main stage.

Graham Ramsay of promoter Ten Feet Tall, said the festival, had a track record of nurturing new talent after booking Kasabian, Razorlight, Kaiser Chiefs, Shed Seven, Keane and Paulo Nutini over the past ten years.

He said: “I think the line-up is the best we’ve ever had. I’m pleased with the emerging bands such as Vintage Trouble and Clinic.

“At the top end, you need some bands with a few hits behind them to drive ticket sales, but I think the talented new bands we attract is a niche we have created.

“Many of them have gone on to make it really big after playing here.”

An entrance fee is being charged for the first time to help recoup £50,000 towards running costs for Middlesbrough Council which is cutting £50m over the next four years.

Early-bird tickets costing £9.50 have sold out, but tickets priced £15 are still available and must be bought in advance before the festival which regularly attracts crowds of more than 50,000 to venues across the town centre.

Mr Ramsay said revellers were realistic about the austere times they were living in and imposing a charge would not keep them away.

“People would pay £15 to see one group, and with the chance to see 100 playing, that works out at less than 20p a band,” he said.

The popularity of live music goes in phases and it feels like this is a boom time again.”

Radio One’s Big Weekend in Carlisle three weeks ago attracted a crowd of 40,000 and superstars including Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas, and Foo Fighters.

Newcastle’s Evolution Weekender last Saturday and Sunday saw Plan B and Tinie Tempah take over the quayside, and Take That kicked off their European tour with a sell-out four nights at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland.

For tickets costing £15, visit Middlesbrough Town Hall box office in Albert Road.

It will be open until 8pm this week. Alternatively, call 01642- 729729.