MUSIC fans flocked to a park as one of the region’s biggest festivals took place over the weekend.

Thousands of people attended Hardwick Live, at the grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel, in Sedgefield, for the two-day, family-friendly music event.

Festival-goers saw headliners Manic Street Preachers ramp up the crowds on Saturday and sung along to James' greatest hits on the Sunday.

Among those to take to the stage included The Zutons, Lisa Stansfield, Ziggy Marley, Stiff Little Fingers and Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge and Billy Bragg.

The event also saw circus acts, angelic visitors and a friendly dinosaur who helped entertain youngsters at the summer music festival.

Prior to the event, John Adamson, who owns Hardwick Hall Hotel, said: “We always look to cover a range of genres with the artists we book for the festival and this year’s line-up is one of our most diverse yet.

“With four stages of music and the new dance arena in the Coachhouse Courtyard, we have something for all music tastes."