MORE than 1,000 musicians and actors performed in the final events of an arts festival dating back almost 80 years.

Organisers of Newcastle Festival for Music, Speech and Drama said St John Fisher Catholic College was packed out with audiences and performers during events over the past fortnight.

The annual festival has been running since 1931 and this year spanned 700 separate performances by budding actors, pianists, choirs and other entertainers.

Friday saw 15 choirs of up to 50 people performing, while a piano competition provided the main draw on Saturday.

Festival chairman Munroe Blair said: "It's a brilliant event which shows of the level of talent that can be found in Crewe, Keele and all the way to Stockport and beyond."

Youngsters aged six to 18 took part in speech and drama classes, while the musical component was open to all ages.