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BILLINGHAM is getting ready for a spectacular show featuring award-winning ice-skater and Dancing on Ice star, Mark Hanretty, as part of the 54th year of its International Folklore Festival of World Dance.

Opening with a Parade of Nations, followed by a week of individual shows, the Festival runs from Saturday, August 11 to Sunday 19, with the extraordinary world premiere performance of the Japanese-inspired show, ‘Ikebana, the Journey in Quest of Harmony’, on August 11 and 12.

Skater Mark, who partnered Geordie Donna Air in ITV’s Dancing on Ice 2018, wowed onlookers at the Billingham Forum Theatre as he rehearsed part of his stunning skating and aerial silks routine in preparation for this year’s Festival.

The fusion of art and sport is presented by 300 international performers, world-class ice skaters, dancers, actors, musicians, dramatic Japanese Taiko drummers and a large community cast.

Funded by Arts Council England, it is split into two venues - Billingham Forum Theatre and the Billingham Forum Ice Rink - so the audience will get two shows for one price…one on the stage and one on the ice!

Mark said: “I think people can expect something entirely new with my performances in Ikebana. I have never seen someone perform silks and off ice skates before, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to showcase something unique. I’ll do my very best to prepare something special for this amazing festival!”

With local people and talented young skaters being given the chance to take part, Mark said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to Billingham regularly to work with the local skaters. It’s always been such a pleasure to work with such a great group of youngsters who demonstrate both passion and enthusiasm for skating! This will be a delightful chance to perform alongside some of them!”

Mark will be joined by a host of other world ice skating stars including Gary Beacom, Zoe Jones, Chris Boyadji, Phil Harris, and Yebin Mok.

Olga Maloney, Artistic Director for the Festival, said: “Our special performance, ‘Ikebana, the Journey in Quest of Harmony’, promises to be a spectacular and unique experience for our audiences. ‘’Ikebana conjures up a feast of dance, skating, music and digital art – all mixed together to create a spectacular show on both ice and treading the stage. It even showcases the talent of choirs and singers from across the North-East.

“It is an unmissable performance that is suitable for all the family, and Ikebana is a wonderful way to kick off our 54th year of bringing international dance to Billingham.”

Ikebana will include visiting dancers from countries such as Argentina, Chile, Egypt, Mexico, France, Ukraine and the UK, and will be putting on other shows in and around Billingham Town Centre.

For a full list of shows and ways you can purchase your tickets for ‘Ikebana, the Journey in Quest of Harmony’ please visit www.billinghamfestival.co.uk/store Facebook: @billinghamworlddancefestival Twitter: @BillFest

Billingham International Folklore Festival 2018 is sponsored by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Arts Council England; Billingham Town Council; Youth Social Action Fund; The Billingham Legacy Foundation; Boyes & Co Ltd; K W Deveraux & Sons; St. Mowden; Tees Active; Croft Coaches; plus Big Lottery Fund