A COLOURFUL mix of nations has kickstarted the annual celebration of traditional dance from around the world.

Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance (BIFF) brings together performers from around the globe to take part in the week-long event that takes over the town centre.

And to get the festival up and running the traditional Parade of Nations is a fitting way to bring a splash of colour to the event as hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the performers launch the event.

Joe Maloney, festival director, said: “It never fails to amaze me how after fifty years, people still have an affiliation for the Folklore Festival with familiar faces being joined by new audiences.

“This is down to the town’s heritage and the way it has continued to be supported on an annual basis. People coming out to wave and cheer dancers who’ve left their own families to entertain people on the other side of the world is moving to see.”

In total more than 350 performers from seven different countries are involved in BIFF 2016 including Chile, Martinique, Mexico, North Cyprus, Russia, South Korea and the UK.

Cllr Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “It’s great to see the Festival get off to such a colourful start and there’s so much more to look forward to over the coming week.”

Saturday’s opening event also saw a sold-out performance of ‘Synchronised’ by Balbir Singh Dance Company in the Billingham Forum swimming pool.

Performances take place in the town centre throughout the week with local dance groups joining in the fun.

If you want to learn more about BIFF 2016 visit www.billinghamfestival.co.uk where people can buy tickets or by calling 01642-553220.