MORE than 200 dancers from around the world paraded through the streets of a North-East town yesterday (Saturday, August 15) to mark the finale of a week-long dance festival.

Performers from the Philippines, the USA, Chile, Italy, Mexico, China and Serbia have been keeping audiences entertained at the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in Teesside.

The festival is organised by ice skaters Torvill and Dean's former campaign manager Olga Maloney, who said: "It has been an emotional and exciting week for everybody involved in the festival.

See photo gallery of festival's final day

“The audiences have been amazing and have shown great support.

“We are very proud to be able to bring such a prestigious and world-renowned event to the North East. It has been an honour once again.”

Former ice dancer Ms Maloney added: “People of all ages have turned out and enjoyed the performances from the dancers who have travelled thousands of miles, from all around the world to be here.

“The applause from the audiences has said it all.”

People from the area and beyond packed into the festival arena – which was situated in the centre of Billingham Town Centre – and other venues including Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt, Middlesbrough Theatre, and Billingham Forum Theatre.

And as well as the shows, there was a chance for people to turn their toes to the global dance moves with a selection of workshops held by representatives of each country.

The final day of the festival featured a farewell parade through Billingham town centre, watched by crowds of shoppers, a gala concert and then the closing ceremony on Saturday evening.

The festival - now in its 51st year - is funded by Stockton Borough Council, Arts Council England and Awards for All funded a programme to take the dancers into care homes in the area.