The great and the good of Gateshead gathered at The Sage to honour the people behind its success.
Oscar-winning film producer Lord David Puttnam, Sage general director Anthony Sargent and the Royal Northern Sinfonia were all granted admission as Honourary Freeman of the Borough.
Gateahead’s mayor was joined by Sir John Hall and leader of the council Mick Henry to celebrate the contributions made to the town.
They were the first inductees since November 2013, when actress Jill Halfpenny was handed the freedom of the town.