The programme will feature a broad range of styles

The �70m Sage Gateshead, with its unique glass roof, is the centrepiece of a revitalised River Tyne quayside.

Instead of a gala black tie concert, the opening will be marked by a weekend of performance and participation events so more people can take part.

During the first few months, musicians from the region, around the country and from around the world will perform.

The Sage Gateshead general director Anthony Sargent and Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry announced the opening on Tuesday.

As final touches were being made to the interior of the venue, Mr Sargent said being able to reveal the opening date was like "arriving at the end of a 15-year journey" to create the project and that the next stage of the journey was now starting.

Mr Sargent said it marked the end of a 15-year journey

He said: "Day after day, night after night we will all be making musical discovery after musical discovery in this extraordinary, impressive, fantastically welcoming building."

He said among his promises for the building were that the musical programme would be worthy of the building, the programme will feature a broad range of styles, there will be an extensive learning and participation scheme and it will be as accessible as possible.

Performance programme director Ros Rigby said opting for an open weekend programme rather than a gala concert would allow around 15,000 people to take part in a range of activities.

Mr Henry said: "The completion of this spectacular building for music and for people, is a major milestone in the area's regeneration that will once again put Gateshead on a world stage."

The Sage Gateshead has already been involved in working with schools and the community with the aim that once the venue opens, those it has already worked with will feel at ease with visiting the impressive building.

Tickets for all concerts will start at �6 with tickets for the opening weekend on sale from 27 September and for the full programme from 1 October.