FESTIVAL fever will hit Darlington this week as a popular event returns to the town.

The annual Mega Festival will return to the market square on Thursday and Friday (August 28 and 29), and will feature a variety of activities, including a mountain bike display, face painting and a pedal powered smoothie maker.

The Dolphin Centre will also be running drop in sessions on badminton, tennis, trampolining, football and new age curling.

There will be a selection of weird and wacky bikes to try, as well as street entertainment from comedy chefs, Hugh Fearn and Lee Whittingstall.

The festival is organised by Local Motion as part of its MegaMotion campaign, to encourage as many families as possible to leave their cars behind for the school run.

It will run from 11am to 4pm each day and free bike security marking will also be on offer.

Councillor David Lyonette, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport said: “The MEGA Festival is a great opportunity for young people and families to find out how to get fit and stay healthy in fun ways.

“We all need to take responsibility for our own health and find some form of exercise that fits into our lifestyles.

“By choosing to travel sustainably families are making healthy choices now which will bring benefits today and in the future.”

Winners of the Local Motion Big Summer campaign competition will be chosen at the end of the festival.

For more information visit dothelocalmotion.co.uk