THE next generation of stage and screen stars have shown off their talents in singing, dancing and acting in an annual festival for aspiring artists.

The Darlington Festival for Performing Arts was hosted by Longfield Academy where dance acts from across the North-East competed to qualify for the All England Dance competition held in London.

Guests watching the festival on Saturday, October 1, were treated to a range of performances from groups and individual dancers taking on ballet, musical theatre and contemporary routines.