POP acts and circus performers will be on stage this weekend as part of the Orange Darlington Festival.

The festival will be opened in Darlington market square at 7pm on Saturday by Paul 'Goffy' Gough from Century FM and will end on Monday night with a firework finale.

Throughout the weekend there will be various street entertainers in the town including circus performer Gary Gifford and ballroom dancers Stickleback Plasticus.

Visitors to Darlington during the festival will also have the chance to become stars in their own right when a talent show is held in the market square.

Young singers and dancers will get their chance to show off their skills on a specially erected stage on Sunday afternoon while adults will perform on Monday afternoon before a grand final, judged by the crowds and DJs from Alpha Radio.

Headlining the weekend of fun is Pop Idol finalist Aaron Bayley, who will perform on Sunday at 7.30pm.

The 27-year-old from Newcastle will sing his debut solo single, Walking in Memphis, which is due for release later this summer, along with a mixture of classic hits and some new material.

Other performers during the weekend include tributes band to Madonna, Westlife and Robbie Williams and a set by singer Scott Adams who wowed the crowds at last year's festival.

All the events during the weekend are free of charge

Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams said: "Orange are delighted to support the festival and put something back into the community in which their staff and their families live.

"Darlington Borough Council is proud to bring the residents and visitors to Darlington such a diverse, fun-filled weekend of family entertainment.

"This year's event promises to be best year. The programme has entertainment for people of all ages and is a true family event."

The council is supported in the event by sponsors Orange, The Northern Echo and Century 100-102fm.

For information about the event call (01325) 388410.