One of Europe's largest street festivals is to take place this week with performers from all over the world ready to converge on the region.

The 16th Stockton International Riverside Festival begins tomorrow (Fri) and will this year be split into two distinct phases. The Hits Music Weekend takes place from today to Sunday at the Riverside, where the outdoor stage will be home to some of the biggest names in pop music.

Tonight, Atlantic Soul Messengers, the Wildcats of Kilkenny and eighties legends The Proclaimers will take to the stage for a free night of music.

Brutus Gold's Love Train will stop off on Saturday), and the weekend will come to a climax on Sunday with the TFM Live concert where stars including Kym Marsh, Gareth Gates and the Sugababes will perform in front of the crowds.

The street theatre will really begin to take over from July 31 to August 3, with highlights including the return of the Moulin Rouge, which will take place in the Parish Gardens.

The 100-year-old Belgian mirror tent will feature free daytime shows until 4pm, then ticketed evening attractions will be a blend of music from some of the country's top tribute bands, stand-up comedy and Doctor Haze's Carnival of the Bizarre.

From Thursday to Saturday, some of the world's most unusual and imaginative street theatre will be performed throughout the town centre with performers from the UK, France, Japan and Canada.

The festival will draw to a close on Sunday August 3 with the KTO production Aquatic Parade.

Kevin McAuley, the Stockton Borough Council's festival co-ordinator, said: "Once again, the strong reputation the Stockton International Riverside Festival has, means we have been able to attract some of the world's best in street theatre.

"Mix that with home-grown talent, up and coming artists along with community involvement, and you have an eclectic mix of performances guaranteed to appeal to all audiences."

For more information log onto www.sirf.co.uk or call the festival enquiry line on (01642) 676702 or (01642) 676850. For Tfm Live tickets call 0870 120 6555.