THIS year's Darlington Orange Festival starts tomorrow with a host of wild and wacky entertainment planned for the Bank Holiday weekend.

The annual event aims to bring street theatre and musical entertainment to people who do not usually get the chance to see it.

The weekend kicks off Saturday at 11am when Century FM's Paul Goffy Gough opens the festival in Darlington's market square.

This will be followed by the first heat of a talent competition which will finish on Monday with Orange goody bags handed out to the most talented volunteers.

Throughout the weekend, there will be street artists and buskers performing around the town and there will be a chance for youngsters to get their hair braided or have a henna tattoo for free.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council, who are organising the festival said: "Everything is in place for a great weekend of fun and entertainment, from Saturday morning to Monday night.

"There's a jam-packed programme of events to take part in or simply to enjoy." On Saturday night, North-East performer Scott Adams will be singing in the market square.

Scott specialises in big ballads and has recently made it to the final 90 in television's search for a pop idol to rival new band Hear'Say. On Sunday, Darlington town centre will become a beach with sand and beach games for all the family.

The last day of the festival will include a performance by Abba tribute band Voulez Vous.

To ensure the festival goes ahead safely, a number of roads will be closed during the weekend.

Church Row will be shut until 10am on Tuesday, East Row, Horsemarket and Bull Wynd will be closed each day from 7am until midnight.

High Row and Post House Wynd will be shut from 6am to 7pm Saturday and on Monday and Church Lane will be closed on Sunday August 26 from 8pm to 11pm.