ENTERTAINERS from across the world put on their costumes and warmed up for one of the region's biggest fringe festivals yesterday.

The 18th Stockton Riverside International Festival begins tomorrow and promises to be the biggest yet, with shows at venues across the town, including on the River Tees.

One of the highlights will be a performance by Israel's Clipa Theatre, which will combine dance, acrobatics, drama and music over the Tees, at St Mark's Basin.

They will perform the European premier of Deux Ex Machina in front of an audience of up to 2,000 people in a grandstand, from 10pm each night.

Other performances include the Beijing Chaoyang Circus, which will set up in the High Street, and an international ballet performance at the Parish Gardens, opposite Debenham's, at the top of the High Street.

The High Street will be the setting for an action-packed four-day programme, featuring comedy, music, magic and circus acts.

On Saturday, more than 500 people will take to the street from midday for the parade and community carnival, which this year has a water theme.

Crowds expected to reach tens of thousands will make their way to Stockton's Riverside from about 9pm on Sunday for the festival finale, when there will be a firework display featuring a 25ft volcano.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said the event had built up a reputation as the UK's leading street theatre festival.

"This year's programme is as strong and innovative as ever," he said.

It has been organised by the borough council and the Arts Council England.

Free tickets are available from Stockton Tourist Information's trailer, in the High Street, or at the Arc, in Dovecot Street.

For full performance details, visit www.sirf.co.uk