THE search is on for would-be buskers and street theatre entertainers to take part in a three-day festival in the region next month.

This year's Orange Darlington Festival takes place throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend with the theme of "A Festival of Festivals".

Visitors will have the chance to enjoy different festival themes including street theatre, busking, pavement art, dance music and sculpture.

As well as just watching the entertainment, members of the public will be encouraged to take part by building sculptures and sandcastles in the popular Darlington By Sea day on the Sunday, and take their teddy bear to the picnic.

Last but not least, they will be urged to air their talent in a number of musical shows including a busking competition.

Anyone over the age of 18 who would like to try their hand at busking or street theatre should complete the form below and return it to the address given as soon as possible.

Once successful, they will be given a time slot at one of the Orange Busk Stops which will be situated around the town over the festival weekend.

The fun starts across the town on Saturday, August 25 and runs until Monday, August 27. Other highlights of the weekend include teen tribute band S Club Heaven Dream Concert on Saturday evening, a special music and fireworks event on Sunday evening and Abba tribute band Voulez Vous providing the festival's finale with their free performance on Monday evening.

The Northern Echo is again involved with the event as media sponsors.

Councillor Dorothy Long, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure services said: "We would really like people to come along and take part in the many different events over the weekend.

"There is a wealth of talent in the town and the Orange Darlington Festival will be a perfect showcase for it. It's time to sign up now for your slot in the festival and take part in what promises to be a fantastic weekend."

George Douglas, strategy manager at Orange, added: "The busk stops will extend the entertainment throughout the town centre and provide an ideal opportunity for up and coming talent to show off their skills."

Updated: 13.06 Monday, July 16