A CHILDREN'S theatre festival will return later this month.

TakeOff Festival, produced by Theatre Hullabaloo - the £1.5m children’s theatre attached to Darlington Hippodrome - will take place from October 16-22.

The festival will see a week of theatre for all the family take place across County Durham, and will conclude with a Family Day in Durham City.

Highlights include a show about nature for toddlers, a clown show, a puppet show with music, and an adaptation of the Dickens' novel Oliver Twist.

Miranda Thain, creative producer for Theatre Hullabaloo, said: "We have an amazing programme for all ages and will be welcoming schools and families from across the country to see some brilliant theatre made especially for children.

"With 90 performances across 26 venues, there promises to be something for everyone."

Councillor Ossie Johnson, Durham County Council's cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, added: "We are looking forward to welcoming families to our country as they come and experience some world class theatre.

"We are particularly excited about the performances set to take place at the Gala Theatre in Durham City."

For a full list of events during the festival, visit www.takeofffestival.org.uk.