THE eighth annual Darlington Arts Festival, due to take place in May 2020, is calling for participants.

From May 15 to May 18 the festival will feature a range of arts and activities in and around the town.

The festival will comprise of four main events: creative writing, visual arts, performing arts and a festival concert. There is also funding available for groups and individuals to run their own events during the three-day festival.

The festival, bearing the theme: “Platform for talent: get on board” is being co-ordinated by Darlington for Culture and supported by Creative Darlington.

Much like previous years, a large part of the festival will be the creative-programme, offering all types of writers the chance to explore writing techniques using a selection of workshops, performances, readings and talks.

Author and creative writing tutor Tracey Iceton, who is co-ordinating the writers’ event said: “I’m delighted to be working with Darlington for Culture again this year and organising the creative-writing strand of the arts festival.

“It’s fantastic to be involved with a festival that offers great opportunities for established and emerging local writers to showcase their talent, develop their writing practice and meet with fellow authors and readers.”

Darlington for Culture would also like to hear from anyone who is working towards exhibiting or performing as there will also be a free "Spotlight on..." in the Market Hall on Saturday, May 16, providing 40-minute timeslots to promote musicians or theatre groups.

Darlington for Culture was set up in late 2010 to protect and promote arts and culture in the town and have been responsible for multiple events attracting thousands of visitors, as well as creating Darlington Arts Festival which was created in 2013 with the help and donations of volunteers.

The deadline for being included in the writers’ programme is January 17. The application for this, along with more information, can be found at Darlingtonforculture.org.