Three million visitors expected at 80-day Great Exhibition of North

The programme for the Great Exhibition of the North, billed as England's biggest event of 2018, has been unveiled.

The 80-day celebration will run in Newcastle and Gateshead from June 22 and is expected to pull in three million visitors and celebrate the North of England's creativity.

An 80m water sculpture on the Tyne will wow crowds and a spectacular opening event including the Kaiser Chiefs is planned.

Broadcaster Lauren Laverne, who is from Sunderland, will curate a Great Northern Soundtrack in honour of the event and there will be a solo exhibition from Turner Prize 2017 winner, Lubaina Himid.

Ms Laverne said: "It's a great opportunity to showcase the vast array of talent the North of England produces, across a breadth of styles and genres.

"I'm proud to be representing a series of gigs that highlight the wealth of talent the North has to offer."

Sir Gary Verity, chairman of the Great Exhibition, said: "As well as being a showcase for some of the best creative and inspiring talent from the North of England, our diverse programme tells a pioneering story and one that will help change the way the world views the North.

"Whether you have a love of arts and design, cutting-edge culture, history and innovation, inspired technology or vibrant street performance - there is something in this programme to intrigue and excite those of all ages and from all backgrounds."