THE 40th Billingham International Folklore Festival got off to a red-hot start as the sun shone down on the crowd that turned out for the opening ceremony.

On Saturday afternoon, the parade started at the Telstar Pub, Marsh House, Avenue, Billingham, Teesside, followed by the opening ceremony.

A spokesman said: "The streets were well packed for the parade and we were really lucky with the weather.

"The opening ceremony was very well attended. In fact, it was so busy we had to use some of the musicians' seating for visitors."

The New Zealand High Commissioner, Russell Marshall, was at the opening ceremony along with the president of the international organisation of the world's folklore festivals, Kari Berkholme, and dignitaries from local councils.

In its 40th year, there are an unprecedented 12 groups for the week-long festival, although the group from Montenegro only arrived in the early hours of Sunday after they were delayed.

Four hundred overseas visitors entertained the crowds, accompanied by UK representatives such as the Billingham International Youth Dancers, Billingham Silver Band, Black Swan Rapper and Newton Aycliffe Pipes and Drums.

Today, there will be afternoon performances in the town centre arena by groups from Latvia, France, Panama, the Ukraine and Mexico.

Tonight, groups from the Canary Islands, Latvia and Maori performers will entertain.