THE annual Darlington Rhythm & Blues Festival will return on Sunday with plenty of live music and a number of bars hosting bands.

The Market Square will be the focal point of the musical event with the Midnite Johnny Band kick-starting proceedings at 12.30pm.

They will be followed on the main stage by the Connie Lush Band, Nine Below Zero and Frankie Miller's Full House.

Other venues hosting performances include the Boot and Shoe, The Hole in the Wall, The Pennyweight and The Old English Gentleman.

Acts taking part at the other venues include Oil City Shakers, Kindred Spirit, DC Blues Band and The Graham Henderson Experience.

The free event runs until 10.30pm at several of the venues around the town.