MUSICIANS from across the North-East showcased their talents at a long-running performing arts festival.

More than 150 people of all ages descended on Hummerknott Academy, in Darlington, on Saturday (March 7) for the musical section of the Darlington Festival of Performing Arts.

Choirs, soloists, pianists and other instrumentalists performed throughout the day to a panel of adjudicators from the British and International Federation of Festivals.

Linda Lawson, honorary secretary and vice chair of the organising committee, said: “We have all sorts of classes and it varies year on year.

“It has been going for a very long time and attracts people from all over the area, from school choirs to private teachers.

“It is really great to see so many talented youngsters and it is nice to be able to encourage them.

“We have professional adjudicators who are very encouraging, and they always say they love coming to Darlington as they say it is a very friendly festival.”

The festival began in 1932 and is held on two consecutive weekends, with the speech and drama section taking place next Saturday (March 14).

Members of the public are welcome to watch performances which begin at the school at 9.30am and finish at 9pm.

For more information visit darlingtonfestival.wordpress.com