A giant praying mantis parading the streets, a stylish boat, a village fête and an explosion of breathtaking fireworks.

Anyone attempting to see all of the top-notch entertainment would have been worn out, struggling to decide where to go next.

Saturday began with the annual Westoe Village Fête. The day was host to dozens of stalls selling everything from homemade jam to paintings, and fun for all the family.

Members of the crowd were treated to performances from St Oswald's Primary School, the Living Waters Youth Marching Band, line dancers, the Harton Harmonisers, and the Customs House choir.

Many clubs and societies from the area set up their own stalls to raise money for charity.

Joan Stephenson, secretary of the South Shields Ladies' Lifeboat Guild, said: "It's been a brilliant day, especially with the sun shining – it's so unusual.

"We come every year. We sell lifeboat souvenirs, homemade jam, kids' toys and put on a tombola.

"The fête has been really good this year, but of course the weather has made a big difference."

At noon on Saturday, the fifth Mouth Of The Tyne Festival kicked off with a selection of street performers from around the globe entertaining crowds at South Shields seafront.

As dusk descended, thousands lined Sea Road to watch the spell-bounding performance of Helios II by Malabar.

A 40ft praying mantis emerged from Gypsies Green, while acrobatic insect-like creatures on stilts stopped visitors in their tracks, lighting the road with firecrackers.

The crowd followed the procession along to Littlehaven Beach, where they were left awestruck as a kaleidoscope of colours filled the sky in a spectacular firework display.

And the fun continued yesterday with more top talent from the festival's performers, plus it was a first for the Customs House in Mill Dam, South Shields, as they launched their Casting Off ... A Coat For A Boat installation into the Tyne.

For the last five months, knitters from across the world have been creating a special outfit for Salma's Dream and their coat was finally put to the test as it was plunged into the river.

Ray Spencer, the venue's executive director, said: "We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather to accompany the launch of the boat.

"The whole event was a huge success and to be able to follow this beautiful vessel, that was covered in knitting, down to the Mouth of the Tyne was an experience I shall never forget.

"Esen, Ingrid and the North East Maritime Trust deserve all the plaudits that come there way for this fantastic event, and I would like to thank everybody who came to the launch and helped to make the day so special."