Billingham International Folklore Festival of Dance runs all next week

The mini performance at Preston Park Museum, in Stockton, gave the audience a taste of what is to come.

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition remembering friends and family.

The Billingham International Folklore Festival (BIFF) of World Dance will be running from August 12 to 20 across the Tees Valley.

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Olga Maloney, artistic director for the mexican performers, explained that the show has evolved during the 25 years she has been involved.

She said: "It's a unique event because it's the only one in the UK.

"It's been going on for 58 years now and it's a beautiful blend of UK performers and those from abroad.

"It's a Mexican celebration that commemorates the lives of people who have passed away.

"This is just a teaser for what is to come in August."

Steve Nelson, councillor for Norton north, said he believes that the region is quickly becoming the foremost venue in the UK.

He said: "With all the events we are having at the moment we are positioning ourselves as the primary events provider in the North East if not the country.

"It's good for culture because people can have things to do over the summer.

"It has regard for the cost of living crisis because seats are £1 and if people want to pay more they can.

"It's good for the businesses in Billingham and the surrounding area."

The Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance will be running from 12-20 August in venues across Tees Valley.

The organisers decriscribed the Day of the Dead as a way to "celebrate the life and heritage of your ancestors with our esteemed international guests as a moving and at time haunting evening".

You can find out more about BIFF 2023 by visiting their official website here.