WOULD-be stars of the street have been signing up for a busking competition at a North-East festival.

Groups, soloists, and instrumentalists have all put their names forward for the contest at the Orange Darlington Festival.

This year's theme is a "festival of festivals", and the aim is to get people involved.

The event runs through the Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday to Monday, August 25 to 27. Visitors to the event, which is sponsored by The Northern Echo, will have a chance to try many things, from building sculptures from recycled materials, to joining a teddy bears' picnic.

There will also be an opportunity to build sandcastles at the Darlington By The Sea event, which takes place in the Market Place on the Sunday.

Despite good early interest, there are still "busk stops" available around the town during the festival. Anybody over the age of 18 can fill in the application form and return it in the hope of being given a slot.

Other highlights of the festival include teen tribute band S Club Heaven's concert on the Saturday evening, a fireworks and music event on the Sunday, and a free finale featuring Abba tribute band Voulez Vous.