THE fourth annual Darlington Arts Festival will get underway next week.

Lovers of literature, arts and creativity are expected to descend upon venues across the town to enjoy this year’s festival, launching on Thursday, April 21.

Authors, artists, performers and Hammer Horror stars will rub shoulders in an eclectic programme of more than 70 events, spread across 20 venues.

Highlights include an appearance from Valerie Leon, cult horror actress and star of Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb.

She will appear at the Hammer Horror Film Festival, staged by the Darlington Film Club at the Forum on Borough Road.

Every Monday night throughout the month-long festival, horror fans can enjoy cult classics including 1968’s The Devil Rides Out and The Nanny.

Music lovers can enjoy a number of events including Darlington Jazz Festival, running alongside the arts festival from Thursday, April 21 until Sunday, April 24.

Various venues will host art exhibitions and workshops, with the Crown Street Library’s art gallery showcasing the work of artists including Petra Lloyd and Paul Dillon.

Readings, writing workshops and two book launches will give literature lovers something to sink their teeth into.

Discussion and debate will form part of the festival, with the Arts Forum meeting on Monday, May 23 exploring the subject of ‘Making space for art and creative enterprise in Darlington’.

Comedy, theatre and dance events will be staged throughout the festival, which runs until Tuesday, May 31.

The sprawling event has attracted thousands of people since its inception and was established by Darlington for Culture (DfC) following the closure of the town’s Arts Centre.

John Dean, chairman of DfC, said: “This festival is really important because it shows what the people of Darlington, organisations and individuals can do when they work together.

“At a time when the community is coming together to save their library services, it just shows what can be done when we all come together.

“I’d like to make a heartfelt plea to the people of Darlington to come along, show their support and help to keep the town on the map.

“For a town this size, to have a festival like this is really something special.”

For the full programme and further information, visit darlingtonforculture.org.