The year is 1964. Nick Hutchinson returns from America, where he has been involved in civil rights movements, to his parent's home in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. There he catches up with his girlfriend Mary Soulsby and his best mate Geordie Peacock. Geordie is keen that Nicky forms a band with him and his friend Tosker Cox. However, Nicky is more interested in taking part in the run-up to the 1964 General Election, helping one of his father's old friends, Eddie Wells. Mary tires of Nicky's lack of attention and becomes involved with Tosker. Geordie meanwhile gets a girl pregnant and decides to leave Newcastle for London...