Thousands flocking to tall ships

A packed programme of events is being held on the Quaysides

Organisers of the tall ships festival say at least 120,000 people have already flocked to Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides.

The arrival of the 105 traditional vessels on the Tyne over the last few days marked the start of four days of events and entertainment.

On Tuesday afternoon, more than 3,000 crew were due to come together for a celebratory procession on the Quayside.

It is the third time the Tyne has hosted the Tall Ships Race.

The vessels also sailed into Tyneside in 1986 and 1993, but organisers expected this year's event to be even more spectacular, with the ships moored on both the Newcastle and Gateshead sides.

The next few days are packed with events including a night of fireworks, music and lighting on Wednesday night before the ships leave for the next leg of the race.

On Thursday, the ships will head out of the Tyne for the race's final stage to the port of Fredrikstad in Norway.

Crowds are expected to flock to vantage points in North and South Tyneside to get a spectacular view of the ships in full sail.