EVENTS taking place this week as part of Darlington Arts Festival include...

Wednesday, May 1

POLITICS TALK: Prose and Politics: The Literary Legacy of George Orwell, will be held at Cafe Create, in Parkgate, from 7pm to 9pm. Admission is free. Call 07739-116330 or email land.joanne@gmail.com

OPEN MIC: A free open mic night at The Forum Music Centre, in Borough Road, at 7.30pm.

ART GROUP: Members of Darlington Artists Collective discuss creative practices at Darlington Central Workingmen’s Club, in Beaumont Street, at 7pm. For more details, visit blimeydarlington.wordpress.com

Thursday, May 2

WRITING CLASS: A day-long crime writing workshop at Cafe Create, from 10am to 4pm. £25. Call John Dean, on 07889-554-931.

Friday, May 3

LIVE MUSIC: Singer Chantel McGregor performs at The Forum. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, she is described as one of the most exciting blues and rock musicians in the UK. Tickets cost £11 in advance (call 01325-363135) or £12 at the door.

GET CREATIVE: Printmaking at The Bridge Centre for Visual Arts, in Yarm Road, from 10am to 4pm. Call 01325-2441

Saturday, May 4

FICTION TALK: Author Michelle Birbeck will give a talk about supernatural fiction at Café Create, from 7pm to 9pm. Admission free. Visit michellebirbeck.co.uk

JAZZ NIGHT: Pianist Jeff Barnhart and reed player John Hallam play at the Dolphin Centre, staged by Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club. From 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tickets are £8.50.

COMEDY NIGHT: The Hilarity Bites comedy club at The Forum. Doors open at 7.45pm, tickets cost £10.

FILM EPIC: From 10am, Star Wars episodes IV to VI will be screened at The Forum. Hosted by Darlington Film Club. Admission costs £10.

ART DEMOS: Artist Carol Greenwood will demonstrate mono printing at The Art Shop, in Bondgate, from 10am to noon. Paul Dillon will demonstrate watercolours from 1pm to 3pm.

SCRAP FUN: A creative family workshop at Scrap Studio, on Lingfield Point, from 10am to noon. The cost is £3 per person, under fives are free. Booking essential. Visit scrapstudio.co.uk, email scrapstudiodarlington@gmail.com or call 07727-706335.

Sunday, May 5

PUNK ROCK: An all-day punk festival will be held at The Forum, featuring bands including Loaded 44, Gimp Fist, LRC, The Fear, Zeitgeist 77 and headliners GBH. Strictly 18+. Doors open at 11am. Tickets cost £22.50 to £24.50.