A WEEKEND of entertainment and fun starts tomorrow when the Orange Darlington Festival 2002 is opened.

The event wil get under way at 7pm tomorrow when Paul "Goffy" Gough from Century FM will take to the stage in the market square.

He will be joined by two tribute bands - Vogue, who pay homage to Madonna, and ZU2, who will be playing some of U2's hits.

Goffy said: "I'm really happy to be involved with the Orange Darlington Festival for the third year.

"The festival has always been a great success and a fantastic day and evening out for all the family."

On Sunday, there will be an outdoor market in the town square and on High Row and various street artists will perform around the town, including a sand sculptor.

The entertainers will be back on the streets throughout the day on Monday.

The street theatre of Bedlam Oz will be performing, as well the bizarre Man in a Box.

Visitors to the town can also take part in workshops to learn circus skills from the professionals and children can have their faces painted or hair braided.

Between 2pm and 4pm this year's talent competition will begin with the under-15s competition.

The adults' competition and the grand final will take place on Monday at the same time.

The festival is supported by Orange, which uses the event as a way of thanking its employees and their families for their work.

The highlight of this year's festival will be the pop performers who will be entertaining the crowds on Sunday night.

The market square is expected to be packed from 7.30pm when Aaron Bayley, from ITV's Pop Idol programme, takes to the stage to perform a selection of songs, including his new single, Walking in Memphis.

Singer Scott Adams, who wowed the audiences at last year's festival, will also be entertaining the crowds.

There will be more music on Monday evening when West-lives give their tribute to boy band Westlife and Paul Reason becomes Robbie Williams for the night.

The festival will end with a firework display in the evening.

For further information about the festival call (01325) 388410.

The Orange Darlington Festival is presented by Darlington Borough Council, sponsored by Orange and supported by Century FM and The Northern Echo.