BANDS have been preparing for the annual Darlington music and beer festival.

The warm-up for the 26th Rhythm and Brews festival began yesterday, with the Smoking Spitfires tuning up their instruments.

The festival, at Darlington Arts Centre, is from Thursday until Sunday and will see bands from the Arts Centre's R' n' B club join forces with the Campaign for Real Ale, who are providing 50 guest ales.

The eight-piece Smoking Spitfires will launch the festival on Thursday at 8pm, and are followed by Eddie Walker and Synergy.

The Smokehouse Blues take to the stage on Friday, and Saturday's events feature Copperhead and the Rockin' Armadillos.

On Sunday, there will be music in the market place and in pubs in the town-centre.