Hollywood actor Thomas Nicholas, best known for playing Kevin in the classic 00s movie American Pie, performed a set with his band at the Metrocentre in Gateshead on Friday, kicking off the shopping centre's three-day Winter Weekender.
The actor and musician took to the stage in Exhibition Square, in conjunction with HMV, with the event also including a signing by Thomas and his bandmates at the nearby music store. As more people joined the crowd in front of the stage, Thomas was heard belting out songs like Stiffler's Mom, his take on Fountains of Wayne's hit Stacey's Mom.
Festive season gets underway at the Metrocentre
The performance came as the Metrocentre braced for big crowds over the weekend for its Winter Weekender, which will culminate in its lights being switched on by 80s legend Martin Kemp, who will also spin a set of classic tunes before doing the honours.
Characters like The Grinch were out in force on Saturday, as a Christmas Parade made its way through the mall. Christmas songs are now playing everywhere, lights are being switched on, trees are up and, with temperatures also dropping in the last week and talk of snow, it's very much feeling like the festive season.
Runners to take on indoor 5k
On Saturday, the Metrocentre will play host to a different event entirely, as runners take on a 5km course around the centre at 6.45am, in aid of North East charity If U Care Share.
