ORGANISERS aim to make an international concert a people's party.
The curtain goes up on the Teesside International Eisteddfod on Saturday, and the emphasis is on community enjoyment.
Chairman Derek Richmond said yesterday: "The event this year will take on a completely new look.
"The emphasis is being placed firmly on the community. All the competitive sessions in Middlesbrough Town Hall will be free of charge, with the hope that the general public will take the opportunity to see some of the best folk dancers in Europe.
"With an entirely new format, I hope this will catch the imagination of the people of Teesside."
Seven groups of dancers from across Europe will take part in performances and workshops at Saltburn Theatre, Nunthorpe Youth Club, Marske Square, Redcar High Street, Stokesley, Ormesby School and the Langridge Centre.
The Mayor of Middlesbrough, Councillor Patricia Walker, will launch the Eisteddfod, with the groups parading through Middlesbrough town centre
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article