A TRIO of venues are hosting a new music festival coming to Darlington next month.

The Music Box Festival will see a host of acts from across Darlington and the North-East perform at the Hole in the Wall, Avalon and Hash Bar on June 5.

The festival is the culmination of a blossoming music scene in the venues which have been hosting regular open mic sessions and intimate rooftop gigs at Hash.

Popular Darlington band Goy Boy McIlroy are among the performers and the bill also includes musicians from Teesside and Newcastle, with musical genres ranging from folk to blues, rock and even goth-cabaret.

One of the event organisers, David Saunders said: “It’s been an exciting year for music in my hometown and it’s great to be able to acknowledge this with a festival that oozes quality and will hopefully both showcase and bring people into our emerging scene.”

The event is being sponsored by local brewery Rocket Town and owner Dave Johnson said: “There's a really great bubbling undercurrent with the music scene in Darlington these days and the North-East is blessed with fantastic bands, musicians, venues and passionate promoters.

“We simply want to keep that vibe growing with the superb artists we have lined up for this festival.”

Festival-goers will be able to buy a wristband for £3 in advance which will enable them to flit between the three venues, each with their own stage.

A total of 20 acts will perform throughout the festival which starts at 4pm and will run until closing time.

Tickets cost £5 on the door or £3 in advance from www.skiddle.com/e/12697752