31st March 2009 was a very special day for 58 pupils attending Knayton CE Primary School. As part of a late patron's bequest, Sowerby Music arranged for all of the Key Stage 2 children, teachers and adult helpers to spend a day at The Sage Gateshead.

It was a wonderful opportunity for them to experience this amazing music venue overlooking the River Tyne. They were amazed at all of the performing facilities within the building ranging from Hall One seating 1500 people to the small rehearsal rooms and area for the under 5's Saturday Morning Club. During a tour of the building, the group were taken backstage, saw a rehearsal in progress in Hall One and spotted the gaps in the structure between the 3 halls which isolate each performance area acoustically.

Later, the children attended two workshops each run by a member of Folkworks. These were an introduction to clog dancing and the concertina. The youngsters were therefore able to participate in music making which was completely new to them.

Everyone was impressed with the two guides and workshop leaders who ensured that the children were able to take part fully in a hugely enjoyable and action packed day which they will probably remember for the rest of their lives.