ORGANISERS of an annual music and beer festival have promised that this year's event will be the biggest ever.

Darlington's Rhythm 'n' Brews festival runs every September and draws hundreds of people from around the country to the town.

The festival is jointly run by Darlington Borough Council, Darlington R 'n' B Club and the Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The event will kick off at the Darlington Arts Centre on September 10, with a screening of the film Elvis: That's the Way It Is.

The music side of the festival will start at the arts centre on September 12, and will continue throughout the week, culminating in a free concert in the Market Square on September 16. There will also be live music at a number of venues across the town.

Acts appearing during the week include Citizen Kane, Calico Joe, Amor, the Eastside Torpedoes and Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges. Other events include a blues gospel concert at St Cuthbert's Church on September 16.

There will also be a real ale bar open during the festival, at the arts centre, serving 45 real ales from around the world, between September 13 and 15. For further details about the festival call (01325) 486555.