MORE big names could be coming to Darlington following on from the success of concerts featuring Steps and a-ha.

Norwegian trio a-ha were joined by fellow 80s stars OMD and Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey at The Northern Echo Arena, home of Darlington Mowden Park rugby team, on Sunday evening.

More than 5,000 people came along to see the bands with synth pop duo OMD stealing the show according to many.

a-ha fans Kevin and Lisa Bell, from Darlington, said they were impressed with the atmosphere at the Arena.

Mrs Bell said: "I was at Ed Sheeran the other night and this is slightly more relaxed and informal.

"We're in the seats and it's great that you are free to get up and walk about.

"I have got an old a-ha CD and I know about four or five of the songs."

One lady couldn't wait to see a-ha lead singer Morten Harket.

Suzie Robertson, from Richmond, said: "I was obsessed with him when I was younger.

"I am waiting for him to take me away."

She added that OMD 'were amazing'.

Mowden Park Managing Director Lee Rust was delighted with the concert saying: “We’re very proud of this evening’s event, following on from the Steps concert just three weeks ago.

"Our events team led by Danny Brown have worked incredibly hard alongside LHG Live to make these concerts happen, as we continue to grow and establish the Arena as a versatile events hub.

"The atmospheres have been truly fantastic and are a great reflection of the North-East people.We believe the Arena can deliver world-class events on an annual basis and we’re looking forward to taking some substantial steps forward with that goal in the coming months.’’

The event was the final leg of a-ha's Electric Summer tour, encompassing seven dates across the UK.

Tour organisers Liz Hobbs Group were equally positive about the evening and the venue’s potential. Ms Hobbs said: “The final show couldn’t have been in a better location than Mowden Park for us and we value our fantastic partnership with the club that grows stronger with every show we deliver.

"We were delighted to bring the recent Summer of Steps Tour to the stadium too and it helped showcase the exceptional production values that we pride ourselves on delivering.

"Stadium facilities match perfectly the needs of the artists we bring to the venue. Lee Rust and his team have worked closely with LHG Live to ensure seamless operations, which means we can deliver successful events for the people of the North-East.

“It’s great to be developing a new venue, but that can’t happen without people supporting our shows, so I would also like to thank everyone who came to a show this summer for their enthusiasm and support. Keep following us on our social media channels and we look forward to bringing more terrific concerts to Mowden Park in 2019.”