A DARING aerial theatre stole the limelight as the 30th staging of a town's festival show got underway.

Crowds gathered to see the UK premiere of ‘Frameshift’, a vertical performance featuring contemporary dancing set across three aerial rigs, at Stockton's International Riverside Festival (SIRF).

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “It was a real coup to host this premiere and there’s plenty more over the coming days.

“We’ve got theatre, circus, dance, and even virtual reality - there really is something for everyone and no two days are the same so come along and enjoy a weekend of fun and entertainment.”

SIRF is on until Sunday and will offer up to 30 individual shows a day.

There will be a number of road and car park closures throughout Stockton Town Centre while SIRF17 takes place.

For more information about SIRF and to see the full festival programme visit www.sirf.co.uk.