AN open-air production of Robin Hood, among the ruins of the Grey Friars' Tower, is one of the curtain-raisers for the 2001 Richmond Festival this weekend.

Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society and Richmond Operatic Society combine forces for the first time to perform a light-hearted version of the story, at 8pm, on Friday.

It will incorporate traditional games and playlets.

Director Warnock Kerr said: "It's a dynamic and entertaining piece showing street theatre as it used to be.

"We're asking people to bring something to sit on and warm clothes and refreshments if they wish."

Richmond Festival's official launch will be led by the mayor, Councillor Tom Burrows, in the Market Place, at 2pm, on Friday. He will be joined by students from Richmond School.

Carnival artwork by other pupils will be on display in the town hall, while North Tyneside Steel Band performs in the Friary Gardens, from about 6pm. Also on Friday, an exhibition from local artists in the Operatic Hall will be opened by Tyne Tees presenter Andy Kluz, at 7.30pm.

A folk evening is planned at The Georgian Theatre Royal, and a Big Band Night at the cricket club.

Other festival highlights during the weekend will include the town's first Sheep on Show contest, which invites youngsters to find 50 life-size wooden decorated sheep on display in shop windows.

The cardboard cut-out animals will then be on sale at a Grand Sheep Auction in the Market Place, on Sunday, at 6pm.

An It's a Knockout competition on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Irish and Scottish dancing, a tea dance, live music, street entertainers and free cinema screenings are also on the programme.

Free programmes and Spot the Sheep entry forms are available from Richmond Tourist Information Centre, Ken Warne Grocers and Richmond Library.