THE Captain Cook Festival 2002 gets under way on Friday and culminates in a gala celebration at Middlesbrough's Stewart Park on Sunday, October 27.

Judith Croft, Middlesbrough Council's events and entertainments manager, said: "The festival brings together a wealth of activities that include historical interest, music, exhibitions, family fun events and an art competition.

"It is fast becoming one of our leading autumn events in the local and regional calendar. We have had lots of interest from tour operators and that can only be good for boosting local jobs and confidence in the future."

The centrepiece of the event is the Maritime Folk Festival which organisers say is one of the greatest gatherings of folk and maritime musicians ever assembled.

The festival, which includes a real ale event where all beers have a Cook or maritime connection, will be held at Dr Brown's in Corporation Road every evening from Friday until Sunday, October 20.

Middlesbrough town centre, particularly Captain Cook Square and Cleveland Shopping Centre, will also be magnets for musicians as the celebrations take over the weekend.

The event culminates in Cook's birthday celebrations centred on the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum and Stewart Park on Sunday, October 27, the 274th anniversary of his birth, in 1728.

For more details, call (01642) 729138.