A MUSIC festival will pull at heartstrings as well as guitar strings today as it marks the final gig for a band member.

The YoYo Newblood Music Festival, in Darlington's Market Square, will feature five up-and-coming local bands playing free.

One of the bands is The Felons, and rhythm guitarist Alex Applegarth is playing for the last time in Darlington, having announced his intention to quit last week.

He was one of the band's founding members in 2003, helped them win radio station TFM's Best Unsigned competition in 2005, but has found commuting from his home in Manchester difficult. The band, which has gigs at The Cavern, in Liverpool, and a support slot with Nineties band The Bluetones coming up, are seeking a replacement.

Other acts will include acoustic artist Andrew Tunstall, rock band Bubblegum Thrash, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, ska band The Brass Bandits and all-girl group Belladonna. The event is aimed at 13 to 19-year-olds, but all ages are welcome. It runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.