A DANCE group from Indonesia is appearing for the first time at the Billingham International Folklore Festival, which begins today.

The Jakarta-based dancers and musicians, who are accompanied by a bevy of officials, are as excited to be appearing at the event as the organisers are to have them.

Olga Maloney, the festival's artistic director, said: "It's a very big event for them to be invited to come here. As a festival, we have been going for 41 years and have a reputation around the world.''

The Indonesians are one of eight groups who are appearing at the festival, which begins today and finishes next weekend.

The rest of the line-up includes groups from Belarussia, Armenia, Cyprus, Ecuador, India, Russia and Venezuela.

Organisers are also introducing non-stop shows, with three groups and their musicians on the stage at any one time.

"We are trying to do something different,'' Mrs Maloney said.

The groups will also take part in dance courses and demonstrations, while the festival includes a children's club, craft fair and international social nights.