ORGANISERS of a Teesside festival say it will be bigger and better than ever this year, thanks to an extra £30,000 of funding.

The money means that some of the world's best street theatre acts will perform at the Stockton International Riverside Festival, between August 1 and 4.

The cash boost has been secured by Stockton Borough Council through Northern Arts' regional arts lottery programme.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton council's cabinet member for education, said: "The funding from the regional arts lottery programme means the Stockton International Riverside Festival can yet again boast a line-up which matches the best in Europe.

"The funding has allowed us to attract first-class acts from Germany, Spain, Holland and the UK - all of which will be providing some memorable and unusual free performances."

Five additional theatre companies will now perform at the festival, with acts ranging from music and dance to fire ritual and non-verbal theatre.