ORGANISERS believe that at least 20,000 people will attend events as part of Billingham International Festival during the course of this week.

About 150 dancers from South America, Europe and Africa, wearing traditional dress and performing their native music, took part in events yesterday.

Santa Claus's "official" folk ensemble, from Finland, performed in the Festival Marquee, together with a Lion Drum troupe from the heart of Kenya's jungle and performers from Romania and the USA.

Last night, entertainers put on an international line dance evening in the College Theatre, while fellow performers from Costa Rica, Canada, Moldova and Mexico put on a show in the Forum Theatre.

At 10am today, there is a children's club with Belgian dancers and magic shows, followed by a youth concert at 2.30pm with Belgium, Finland and Costa Rica.

Tonight, Costa Ricans and Mexicans are hosting a Latin American night in the College Theatre.

In the Forum Theatre, traditional music from Belgium, Romania, America and Finland will be performed .

Tomorrow, the Forum hosts Around the World in 80 Minutes, with dance and music from the US, Croatia, Hungary, the Ukraine, Scotland and Ireland.

Throughout the festival, performers are taking part in activities for children around the John Whitehead Park.

A spokesman said: "There has been a real carnival atmosphere because the weather has been so friendly to us. People have been enjoying the music playing in the town centre in the mornings in this kind of weather."

To book for shows, contact the Forum Theatre on (01642) 552663.