PERFORMERS from across the world are heading to the region for one of Britain's biggest arts events of the year.

The second phase of the 16th Stockton International Riverside Festival opens today with street performers, musicians and artists ready to entertain thousands of visitors.

Highlights will include three spectacular large-scale theatre productions using the Riverside as a backdrop, and a major carnival on Saturday.

The first part of the festival last weekend included music from 1980s' legends The Proclaimers and the Sugarbabes.

Now, the Moulin Rouge tent will open in the town's Parish Gardens with entertainment until Sunday.

Shows will be free until 4pm each day followed by ticket events in the evening, including tribute band Beatlemania, comedy from upcoming acts Norman Lovett and Doctor Haze's Carnival of the Bizarre.

The famous Community Carnival takes place on Saturday in Stockton High Street and the Festival Finale Spectacular is at the Riverside at 10pm on Sunday.

For more details, call the festival inquiry line on (01642) 676702 or log on to www.sirf.co.uk.