PERFORMERS from all over the world will converge on the region this week to take part in one of Europe's largest street festivals.

The 15th Stockton International Riverside Festival starts on Thursday and organisers are promising it will be one of the best ever.

Street performers from around the world, including Australia, Canada and Ghana, as well as the cream of British talent, will keep audiences entertained throughout the 11 days of the festival, which is organised by Stockton Borough Council and Event International.

Highlights include the first Festival Big Top, at Trinity Gardens, which will be hosting 31 shows - including the return of the Circus of Horrors.

Audiences will be able to watch in amazement as The Wasp Boy swallows five swords simultaneously, despite reducing his waist to 18 inches.

Music will once again figure prominently throughout the festival, and highlights include 1970s icon Brutus Gold and his Love Train, performing on the Riverside stage on Saturday, and tribute concerts to Paul Weller, on Friday, and the Beatles, on Sunday.

One of the most popular events of the festival is the 96.6tfm's Feel the Noise Live concert. It takes place on Sunday and headline bands include Hear'say, Liberty X, Atomic Kitten and Toploader.

Festival-goers will also be treated to street theatre, a community carnival and the festival fringe.

Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Jean O'Donnell, said: "The festival is already one of the leading dates on the European street festival calendar. This year, it takes on additional importance as part of the national Spirit of Friendship Festival, linking it to the Commonwealth Games and bringing in artists from Australia and New Zealand.

"What makes the festival so special is the rich blend of professional artists and the increasing participation of the local community."

The festival will come to a close on Sunday, August 4, with a specially-commissioned Anglo-Australian production called Bushfire.

Giant inflatable prehistoric plants, a green lizard and pyrotechnic effects will make sure the festival ends with a bang.

OPENING WEEKEND LINE-UP

Thursday

6pm and 9pm: Circus of Horrors at the Festival Big Top. Price £10, £12, £15.

Friday

6pm and 10pm: Circus of Horrors at Festival Big Top. Price £10, £12 and £15.

8pm: Fringe musical events - reggae at Green Dragon Yard, rock at the Georgian Theatre.

8.15pm: Paul Weller Anthology at the Festival Big Top. Price £7/£5 concessions.

Saturday

Noon to 4pm: VISAr Dissolve at the Georgian Theatre.

Noon: Fringe music at the Green Dragon Yard and Georgian Theatre.

6pm and 10pm: Circus of Horrors at the Festival Big Top. Price £10, £12 and £15.

7pm to 10.30pm: Brutus Gold and his Love Train, at the Riverside Stage.

8.15pm: Wildcats of Kilkenny at the Festival Big Top. Price £5.

Sunday

Noon to 4pm: VISAr Dissolve at the Georgian Theatre.

Noon: Fringe music in the Green Dragon Yard and Georgian Theatre.

1pm to 6pm: 96.6tfm Feel The Noise Live at the Riverside. Ticket only.

7pm: Beatlemania at the Festival Big Top. Price £7 or £5 concessions.

9pm: Circus of Horrors at the Festival Big Top. Price £10, £12 and £15.