CABARET will meet bump and grind when pensioners and youngsters fuse musical styles to perform at the Festival of Thrift next week.

Self-proclaimed old-time music hall artiste turned rap superstar Ida Barr is working with a diverse group of all ages to create what is being dubbed “the ultimate music hall/hip-hop/rap crossover”.

The Ida Barr character is a well-established figure on the cabaret and comedy theatre circuit and was created by performer Christopher Green.

As Ida, Mr Green has been working with young people, pensioners, community groups and musicians to create a lively show that will entertain crowds at the upcoming Festival of Thrift, taking place at Darlington’s Lingfield Point on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28.

Mash Up aims to highlight connections between seemingly disparate groups and explore concepts of youth, age and the evolution of popular music via participatory song and performance.

Mr Green said: “Ida Barr’s Mash Up makes me very proud.

“As a performer, I love gradually handing over the power to the participants so that they’re the ones in charge, all of them.

“That’s at the heart of why it’s so joyful and the audience can sense that so they join in too.

“However we define community in the modern world, this is a proper community event.”

To participate in the event, email alex@festivalofthrift.co.uk or call 07855-855503.