Stockton International Riverside Festival returns this summer for the 35th time, promising a jam-packed programme over four free days from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 August.

The festival has a programme full of activities for families, and organisers say this year will be the best yet.

With acts performing music, dance, drama and comedy, this festival provides something unique for the North East.

The launch kicks off at 7.30pm on Thursday, August 4, with a French performance company set to entertain with acrobatics and aerialists.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Stockton International Riverside Festival 2019. Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHOStockton International Riverside Festival 2019. Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO

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Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for health, leisure and culture, said: "It just wouldn’t be summer without SIRF – and we can’t wait to welcome back the Borough’s signature event.

 “And what a return it promises to be for our hugely popular festival which, as always, offers a wealth of entertainment for all the family!   

 “With over 150 performances throughout to entertain, intrigue and excite residents and visitors, there really is something for everybody over the four days of this free major event.

 “This year’s SIRF is going to be truly memorable, with a wide variety of street theatre, dance, music, digital arts and circus, as well as breath-taking aerial acrobatics, to make your SIRF experience something special. You don’t want to miss it!”

Darlington and Stockton Times: Stockton International Riverside Festival 2019. Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHOStockton International Riverside Festival 2019. Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO

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Here are just some of the events during the festival:

Tawa, by Gratte Ciel 

  • Thursday, August 4, at 7:30pm at Stockton Riverside.
  • This year’s festival launches in dramatic fashion with the joy and thrill of French company Gratte Ciel’s large scale spectacle, Tawa.
  • As live music fills the air, aerialists and acrobats will spin in a spectacular explosion of colour on Stockton’s Riverside.

Tees Barrage International Showcase

  • Thursday, August 4 to Saturday, August 6.
  • In partnership with Canal and River Trust, Stockton Borough Council presents this international showcase at Tees Barrage to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary.

Within Without, by Limbic Cinema and Full Tilt Aerial

  • Friday 5 August and Saturday 6 August, 10pm and 10.45pm.
  • Free but ticketed. Tickets available from SIRF Central at 3pm each day. The events takes place at Trinity Church.
  • Within Without is a multimedia performance exploring visceral and personal articulations of safe and sacred space.

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Carnival Parade - Everything Under The Sun

  • Sunday 7 August, 2pm at Stockton High Street to Riverside.
  • The much-loved SIRF Community Carnival returns to Stockton High Street on 7 August, moving to Sunday for a full day of carnival fun.

SIRF Finale - Mobil Homme by Transe Express

  • Sunday 7 August, 9.30pm at Stockton Riverside
  • French troop Transe Express bring off-beat rhythmic drumming to the Riverside to draw the Festival to a close in true SIRF style.

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