THE streets of Darlington rocked yesterday as the Orange Rhythm and Brews 2000 Festival drew to a close.

Bands from all over the region took to the stage at the town's market square for the final day of the festival.

A series of free concerts was staged with performances from, among others, blues-rock outfit The Hamsters and the Otis Grand Blues Band.

Running alongside the outdoor concerts a number of bands also played in local pubs.

Sundance, a tribute band to Jimi Hendrix, performed a special show in Berlin's Bar, part of the old Imperial Hotel, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the legendary guitarist's death. It was on February 2, 1967, that the then-unknown Hendrix played a sell-out show at the Imperial.

Free musical workshops were held at the Dolphin Centre during the day for people who wanted to learn how to play guitar, saxophone, harmonica or keyboards.

The Rhythm and Brews Festival, supported by The Northern Echo and Century Radio, began on Thursday at the Darlington Arts Centre, and featured a mix of films, concerts and real ales.