CREATIVE types and arts organisations across the borough are being encouraged to get involved with the upcoming Darlington Arts Festival 2019.

Now in its seventh year, the Darlington for Culture event showcases a range of cultural activities to support and promote the arts in the town.

This year’s festival will take place between May 17 and May 20 in venues across the town centre and will be based on the theme of 'Follow Your Art'.

Darlington Arts Festival co-ordinator Helen Devonshire said: “The festival will be a snapshot of different types of arts activities that take place all year round but will focus on encouraging people to try something new; from watching bands and plays they don’t know, to joining a music group or choir, learning to dance or starting to write a novel.”

For 2019, the festival welcomes the addition of a performance space in the Darlington Indoor Market called 'Spotlight on…', with the space offering groups the opportunity to promote their events for free and attract new members.

Any organisations with events planned for the dates in May, involving music, visual art, dance or other cultural and creative activities, can contact Darlington for Culture to be included in the programme and publicity material.

Alternatively, events can be organised specifically with the festival in mind, with Darlington for Culture able to offer a small number of grants up to £250.

Applications will be accepted until March 18. To apply, email email darlo4culture@gmail.com with the applicant name, event title, details, venue, price and contact details.