A TOWN centre became a blaze of colour, with dancers from across Europe taking part in the Teesside International Eisteddfod.
Organised and impromptu concerts will be held on stages in Victoria Square, Cleveland Shopping Centre and Captain Cook's Square, Middlesbrough, until Wednesday.
The main competitions, featuring world-class dance groups, will take place today and tomorrow, in the town hall.
The event is being held thanks to support from Middlesbrough Borough Council, the Lottery Fund and local companies.
Derek Richmond, chairman of the Eisteddfod, said: "The event this year will take on a completely new look. The emphasis is being placed firmly on the community.
"All the competitive sessions in Middlesbrough Town Hall are free, with the hope that the public will take the opportunity to see some of the best folk dancers in Europe.
"With an entirely new format, I hope this will catch the imagination of the people of Teesside. This is the first step to an exciting future for the Eisteddfod.
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