Yesterday, a four-day festival set to see food and street performances kicked off with excitement and anticipation.

Stockton International Riverside Festival was attended by hundreds last night (Thursday August 4) as many watched heigh-defying aerialists and acrobats while enjoying a nice bite to eat.

Kicking things off was Tawa by Gratte Ciel, a French aerialist and acrobatic group, as onlookers watched on the nearby hillside.

Businesses were enjoying the festivities as well with many excited to see what the weekend will bring.

Read more: Stockton International Riverside Festival kicks off with excitement and anticipation

Kirstine Walton, of the Velveteen Rabbit Luncheon Club, was handing out homemade pies and pastries to hungry mouths during the evening.

Ms Walton said this was the first time they had done SIRF so they were “taking it as it comes.”

Brodie, from Redhead Mac’n’Cheese, said the day had been “decent” and he was anticipating it would get busier as the weekend goes on.

Katheryn and Allan Armstrong, from Eaglescliff, were among those attending but were “excited by the food offering.”

The festival is set to run for another three days including today, drawing to a close on Sunday August 7.

Tonight, visitors will be able to enjoy Within Without by Limbic Cinema and Full Tilt Aerial, a multimedia performance exploring visceral and personal articulations of safe and sacred space.

Carnival Parade -Everything Under The Sun will take place on Saturday with the SIRF Finale – Mobil Homme, by Transe Express will close the show.

Throughout the weekend attendees can enjoy a wide selection of food choices from regional independent businesses as well.

Check out these great pictures from the event below – Can you spot yourself?:

All pictures were taken by Stuart Bolton

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