A MUSIC and beer event has been extended from its usual weekend of festivities to a whole week.

The annual Orange Darlington Festival's Rhythm 'n' Brews event is celebrating its 21st birthday with an extended programme at the town's Arts Centre.

There will also be a free mid-week entertainment in the market square, a chance to take part in free guitar, saxophone, harmonica and keyboard workshops at the Dolphin Centre.

And St Cuthbert's Church will host a special performance of blues gospel music, by Michael Mulroy, as part of a full day of free events on Sunday, September 17.

Following that, the music moves to the market square for the afternoon with performances by Darlington College band The Blind Lemons, Connie Lush and Blue Shouter, The Hamsters and the Otis Grand Blues Band.

A festival spokesman said: "The Rhythm 'n' Brews event is one of the highlights of the Orange Darlington Festival and we are delighted this year that it has been extended from a weekend to a whole week of festivities."

Events begin at the Arts Centre with two films, Sweet and Lowdown on Monday, September 11, and Buena Vista Social Club on Wednesday, September 13, and Darlington Folk Club will have a special Rhythm 'n' Roots concert on the following day, at 8pm.

Main events will feature performances by the Eastside Torpedoes on Thursday, September 14, The Junco Partners on Friday 15, and the Nimmo Brothers on Saturday 16.

Running alongside these will be the annual beer festival in the Arts Centre.

There will also be lunchtime music in the market square on Tuesday to Friday lunchtimes next week, between 11am and 2pm.

Coun Dorothy Long, Darlington Mayor and cabinet member for leisure, said: "This is one of the most popular events in the Orange Darlington Festival calendar. Sunday is a great day of fun and music which will appeal to people of all ages and the addition of new events provides more opportunities for more people than ever to enjoy themselves." For further details, contact the box office on (01325) 486555.