THE country's largest festival of street entertainment has been launched in the region with a multi-national circus celebration.

This year's Stockton International Riverside Festival's multi-cultural extravaganza burst into life in the big top yesterday with a highly energetic performance by the acrobats of the Circus of a Thousand Faces.

Formed in May, the circus took talented children off the Brazilian beaches and the streets of Calcutta and helped them realise their potential.

Other acts included jugglers, dancers, acrobats and gymnasts, all brought in from West Africa and China to perform together.

They delighted an audience in the Parada circus tent, on the Trinity Gardens ruined church site, under the banner of Circus 2000 with their colourful dances from their native countries.

Circus of a Thousand Faces manager Gizaw Meshesha, from Ethiopia, said: "The reaction of the audience was testament to a good show.

"The young people come from a range of street entertainment backgrounds, including the beaches in Brazil to the streets of India. We scout the world looking for the youngsters with the most talent and potential and combine them to experience working with people of various nationalities.

"It will broaden their horizons and increase their skills to entertain audiences throughout Europe."

The worldwide circus theme continues tomorrow with a festival favourite, the comic Circus Ronaldo.

The Stockton festival continues until Sunday.

To book events contact (01642) 666600.