See Paul Smith perform at Culture Awards as North East celebrates a year of success

Maximo Park frontman Paul Smith took to the stage of the Culture Awards in Middlesbrough this week with a set well-suited to a night which celebrated the variety of arty achievement across the North East.

The trademark hat might have been there but the style and mood were distinctly different as Smith - in a surprise for those familiar with his band credentials - revealed a whole new side as the singer performed with an orchestra backdrop.

And there were plenty more top entertainment in store during Thursday's ceremony which was hosted in the beautifully-revamped Middlesbrough Town Hall by local actor Chris Connel.

First the audience had been welcomed by Runaway Samba, local young musicians who set an upbeat tone outside the venue, then - in between award presentations to deserving winners spanning the North East - there came singer Louis Martin; rising band Vandebilt led by Jordan Miller; rapper Kay Greyson; singer and guitarist Sam Rea and members of Eliot Smith Dance.

See a clip of some of the night's performances below.

Medley of musical acts from this year's Culture Awards

And the audience clearly loved the entire Culture Award s event, which saw awards made in 16 categories.

Here are all the .