It was always going to be a triumphant homecoming for the local lad and Sam Fender started his Mouth of the Tyne set in serious style with a Geordie anthem.
It's no secret that North Shields musician Sam is a massive Newcastle United fan, he even donned an Alan Shearer mask after his Brit Award win, so it was very apt and a stroke of genius that, after the amazing year he's had so far, he arrived back on home turf to the strains of Local Hero.
The song that the Magpies are famous for coming out on the pitch to, paved the way for the Hypersonic Missiles singer to walk on stage to a rapturous reception from the capacity Mouth of the Tyne crowd at Tynemouth Priory on Thursday night.
After monsoon-like rain earlier on in the day, there was (thankfully!) a complete turnaround in the weather for Sam's huge outdooor concert, which was the perfect way to start this year's festival, which will also include headline sets from Jack Savoretti, Rick Astley and The Proclaimers.
Warm sunshine bathed the coast as Sam delighted his captive and very enthusiastic audience with a set that included Dead Boys, Hypersonic Missiles and new single Will We Talk.
