A POPULAR arts festival that attracts thousands of visitors is to return for its third year this month.

Staged at a wide range of venues across the borough from April 20 and throughout May, the festival is being co-ordinated by Darlington for Culture, the group that speaks for arts and culture in the town.

The idea of the festival came in the wake of the closure of Darlington Arts Centre in 2012, and was designed to provide a focus for the town’s arts and culture community.

Almost 70 events will take place this year, at more than 25 venues, taking in everything from art and literature to music and dance.

Politicians debating the future of arts and culture funding in a pre-election debate will open the festival, which will then continue with a number of events to mark the 190th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Several music events, a month long literary festival and numerous art events are also planned for the festival.

John Dean, chairman of Darlington for Culture, said: "The festival is designed to turn a light on all the wonderful people who do great thing in Arts and culture in Darlington and for a town of its size the scale of the event is remarkable. It is a testament to all of the organisations involved.”

"Decision makers are increasingly realising the importance of arts and culture to the economy and realising it's not just a leisure activity.

"It attracts investment, creates jobs and also very importantly makes the town look more attractive to potential investors. If it’s a vibrant place, it helps.

"The festival highlights the vibrant arts culture of the town."

Among the attractions at this year's festival will be a pre-election arts and culture debate, at 7pm on April 20, in the Liddiard Theatre at Polam Hall School, in Grange Road.

Darlington general election candidates from all the main parties have agreed to take part. The event will be chaired by Chris Lloyd, deputy editor and political editor of The Northern Echo.

Organised by Darlington for Culture (DfC), and supported by Polam Hall School, this is a free event, with free refreshments.

Everyone is welcome to come along on the night.

More information is available at darlingtonforculture.org, Twitter at @darloartsfest and Facebook at darlingtonartsfestival2014.