Chart topper Jess Glynne proved a big hit on Friday as she performed at Darlington’s Northern Echo Arena. The 29 year-old treated the local crowd with a medley of all her latest hits, in what was Darlington’s largest concert since Elton John in 2008.

But before the main event, Australian sister band Germein kicked off the night with their unique brand of indie pop rock songs and signature harmonies. The trio, who have previously supported Little Mix’s UK stadium tour, started the evening with a bang on a warm evening in Darlington.

It was then the turn Scottish-born singer Nina Nesbitt's chance to warm up the crowd. The singer treated fans to her hits Stay Out and Girlfriend and looked perfectly confident entertaining a growing North East crowd.

Finally it was the headline act Jess Glynne who took the stage, to a rousing welcome from the Arena crowd. Having recovered from a vocal chord issue which had plagued her summer tour, the global artist thrilled the crowd with her powerful vocals. With three number ones under her belt, the 29-year-old had a bounty of hits to choose from - especially modern pop classics like Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself and All I Am. After closing the show with I'll Be There, from her latest album Always In Between, Glynne had pulled off an amazing performance.

After a sellout tour supporting the Spice Girls, the chart-topper proved herself to be a world class performer as well as a talented vocalist.

Mowden Park Managing Director Lee Rust was delighted with the concert saying:
“We’re delighted to have played host to such a fantastic event for the region. A huge amount of work has gone into establishing the Arena as a venue for high profile events, and today was another landmark occasion.’’

‘’Our events team led by Danny Brown have worked tirelessly alongside Liz Hobbs Group (LHG Live), Darlington Borough Council (DBC) and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to deliver another great occasion for the region. We’re immensely proud of what’s been achieved tonight’’.

‘’We believe our venue can attract world-class events on an annual basis and we’re looking forward to taking the next steps in the journey with LHG Live in the coming months.’’

Tour organisers Liz Hobbs Group (LHG Live), who this year are also producing and promoting concerts with Tom Jones, Craig David, Tears for Fears – to name a few - were equally positive about the evening and the venue’s potential.

Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, CEO of Liz Hobbs Group commented: "We’re thrilled with the success of our fourth and largest concert in Darlington after two fantastic gigs last summer. The region has once again responded brilliantly and the atmosphere was incredible tonight."

"The Mowden Park team and local authority have all been extremely professional to work with and we’re delighted to have delivered another fantastic event for Darlington."

"We share the belief that the venue can deliver first class gigs year on year for the North East. We’re already talking to artists about 2020, as we develop our longer term relationship with Mowden Park."