Gateshead's most famous one-of-a-kind landmark celebrated its 20th birthday on Friday with a spectacular display.
Opened in 2001, the Millenium Bridge remains the only tilting bridge of its kind in the world.
On Friday night, to mark 20 years of operation, it tilted open as the sunset over the Tyne, showing off its unique function to the small crowd which had gathered to watch.
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As part of the birthday celebrations for the bridge, 200 people took part in creating an animation film with artist Anton Hecht, while a group of the Gateshead Art Diamonds took part in a workshop with artist Robert Soden, to create their own version of the famous landmark.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure at Gateshead Council, said: “Gateshead Millennium Bridge has quickly become an internationally recognised landmark which attracts huge numbers of visitors as the world’s first, and only, tilting bridge.
“Not only did the bridge have a ground-breaking design but it showed people what we could deliver.
"Since then we’ve continued to develop Gateshead Quayside and we’re delighted that the bridge will become the backdrop for the £260m NewcastleGateshead Quays development which will be for the people of our region as well as visitors from around the world.”
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