Dancers to travel from around the world for annual festival in Billingham

The Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance is taking place between August 13 and 20.

Venues for the festival include the Festival Arena, in Billingham town centre, The Forum Theatre and Swimming Pool, Billingham Town Centre Ramp, Billingham Forum Atrium and Middlesbrough Theatre.

Troupes from countries including Chile, Russia, Egypt, Mexico, North Cyprus, South Korea, Martinique and the UK are among those who will perform in the eight days of dance, theatre and storytelling.

The festival is in its 52nd year, with thousands of people expected to travel to Billingham to watch it.

Olga Maloney, artistic director of Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance, said: “We have scoured the world, visiting dance companies in their local communities to bring our audience the very best in international dance.

“We are proud of the healthy mix of traditional and contemporary programming that fits alongside the education and development work.

“The Folklore Festival stands by its traditions of not only bringing some of the top performers to Tees Valley, but also setting the benchmarks for other festivals and practitioners to follow.”

Balbir Singh Dance Company will perform the North East premiere of aqua-dance show ‘Synchronised’ at the Forum Swimming Pool in one of the highlights of the festival, while BBC Young Dancer 2015 winner Connor Scott will also be involved.

Billingham’s town centre will be at the heart of much of the festival, with the Festival Arena staging the opening and closing ceremony, while there will also be an annual parade through the streets of Billingham on the opening day, and a fireworks display on the final day.

The full line up for the festival can be found at www.billinghamfestival.co.uk.

Tickets can be bought from the website or by calling 01642 553220.