A NORTH-EAST music venue was transformed into a hub of creativity tonight (Thursday, October 3) to celebrate the start of a new theatrical festival.

Dozens of people, including Darlington’s mayor, Charles Johnson, enjoyed an evening of singing, dancing, theatrical performances and art installations at the launch of the Jabberwocky Market at The Forum, in Borough Road, Darlington.

The four-day celebration of theatre, which is staged in conjunction with the Battersea Arts Centre, is part of a nationwide project bringing high-calibre theatre to areas around the country.

Festival producer Caroline Pearce said: “I’m really pleased all these people are here. We have three more days of the festival and I hope it keeps going.

“I don’t want it to explode into this huge event, I want it to be a high quality event that draws brilliant artists to Darlington.”

The event aims to transform venues around Darlington into hubs of creativity, and tomorrow (Friday, October 4), Hummersknott Academy will host a day for children between seven and 12.

On Saturday, a number of pop-up events and performances will take place in the town centre and Sunday’s finale features poetry and performances at Voodoo Cafe, in Skinnergate, and the Quaker Meeting House, which will host the festival’s headline performance, Paper Cinema’s Odyssey – a silent film featuring puppetry and a live score.

Tickets, costing £14.50 for each day, are still available.

For more details and a full schedule, visit jabberwockymarket.org.uk or follow @JabbMarket on Twitter.