Young musicians spy 'opportunity' with Proms

The BBC Proms has returned to the north-east of England with young musicians in the region hoping it fills an "opportunity" gap.

Concerts and events are being held in Gateshead and Sunderland as well as, for the first time Middlesbrough Town Hall where local folk band The Unthanks kicked off the season with a performance backed by a full orchestra.

One of the themes is young composers and a workshop was held in Middlesbrough for aspiring musicians aged between 12 to 18 to hone their skills with the help of professionals.

Lottie, 15 and from Middlesbrough, said: "Having the proms in our backyard is really important because there are not that many music opportunities in the region."

Speaking about the workshop she said: "It's really exciting to meet professional musicians and see how they write songs, how they do things.

"I want to write, perform live and be successful.

"Having the proms in Middlesbrough means more young people will get experience, and that's very important."

Janet, a 17-year-old from Newcastle, said: "It was great to meet people from different musical backgrounds, a real opportunity.

"It gives me confirmation that music, which I want to do, is something I can do.

"There's loads of talented musicians here.

"It's important to have the proms locally, it makes it more accessible."

Radio 3 presenter, Elizabeth Alker said: "I know that last year 4,500 people from this region went to the Proms for the very first time.

"So to get to experience this music, to have it up here, I just think that's fantastic."

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Tees on BBC Sounds.