X FACTOR hopeful Kerrianne Covell is one of 100 music acts performing at the one-day music festival, Middlesbrough Live.

The 23-year-old shoe-shop assistant from Norton, Stockton, impressed judges on the ITV talent show with her powerful voice and even prompted Simon Cowell to call her employer to explain her absence.

She will be entertaining revellers at Mink bar on Saturday night, while singer-songwriter Rae Morris is headlining on the main stage in the Town Hall Crypt, supported by Woodpigeon and Withered Hand.

The crypt is also hosting a free-entry afternoon session featuring Birmingham’s Superfood, four-piece Model Aeroplanes, emerging indie rock ‘n’ rollers Violet Deep and local band Steal Strings.

Gigs will be taking place at town centre bars including Mink, Walkabout, The Lobby, O’Connell’s, The Central and Dr Brown’s.

And Mima art gallery, The Baker Street Kitchen, The Olde Young Tea House and the Middlesbrough Reference Library will become alternative music venues.

No fewer than 27 acts will perform throughout the day at O’Connell’s, starting with Andy X at 11.30am through to No Xcuse at 10.30pm.

Mark Davies of local group, The Alice Charmers, said: “To be a part of this celebration of everything that is great about the Teesside music scene is both an honour and a privilege.”

O’Connell’s will also play host to Yarm-born singer Jake Taylor, who lives in Stockton.

He said: “The idea of playing this festival which is a yearly treat for the North-East is an exciting prospect. The fact that we are host to some of the country’s best upcoming talent makes it even more special.”

Tickets costing £8 are available from Middlesbrough Town Hall Box Office, by calling 01642-729729 or emailing boxoffice@middlesbrough.gov.uk.