The Sage Gateshead's Fifth Anniversary

1. Saxophonist Andy Sheppard

Saxophonist Andy Sheppard played for the crowds. He also performed in a spectacular finale to the weekend alongside Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell and Sting.

2. The Northern Sinfonia

The Northern Sinfonia rehearses with Dame Evelyn Glennie for their spectacular performance of James MacMillan's 'Veni, Veni Emmanuel'.

3. Dame Evelyn Glennie

4. Lord Putnam, Chair of The Sage

Lord Putnam revealed The Sage's plans for the next five years. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

5. The Sage Gateshead's birthday cake

Lord Putnam blows out the candle on the birthday cupcakes. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

6. The Sage Gateshead

Guests at the opening evening of the weekend's celebrations enjoyed champagne and cake while listening to music and speeches. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

7. New Associate Artist Brendan Murphy

Percussionist Brendan Murphy takes up the new Associate Artist role at The Sage Gateshead and will be working with participants of the Learning Programme. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

8. Lord Putnam spoke at the celebrations

He outlined The Sage's future plans, which include extending education and outreach work, the creation of new artistic roles, further reductions of the carbon footprint, and commissioning new music. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

9. Cllr Mike Henry, Alan Davey & Lord Putnam

Councillor Mike Henry from Gateshead Council and Alan Davey, Chief Executive of the Arts Council also spoke. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

10. Happy Birthday

A special arrangement of 'Happy Birthday' was performed. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

11. More celebrations

Local school children sang. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

12. Birthday cake

Children wore birthday cake hats. Photograph supplied by North News & Pictures.

13. Dodgy Clutch

There was an exciting range of performers, including North-East-based theatre group Dodgy Clutch.

14. The Silver programme

Singers from the Silver programme for the over 50s performed.

15. Stringendo

The Sage Gateshead’s youth ensemble Stringendo held an open rehearsal to show talented youngsters at work.

16. A public celebration

The snow did not prevent crowds of people from sharing the celebrations.

17. Another birthday cake

The snow-covered Sage.

18. The real Sage