Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) returns this week, promising fun and exciting entertainment for all the family.
The internationally renowned festival will once again be wowing crowds in Stockton town centre with a jam-packed programme from Thursday, August 3 to Sunday, August 6.
SIRF 23 brings together some of the best street theatre, dance, music, and outdoor arts, with more than 150 shows taking place which are all free to enjoy.
For the first time this year, the dramatic launch show moves to Friday, when street theatre company, Cie Bivouac, will perform its show, Perceptions, at 7pm on the high street.
A repeat performance on Saturday night at 9.30pm will give those a chance to see it after dark.
The festival gets underway with a special welcome party on Stockton high street from 5pm on Thursday with everyone invited.
'Alive after 5' features a range of street performers and the return of SIRF Green, the space for tasty food and garden seats to get you warmed up for the weekend.
Back by popular demand, SIRF Green will provide a place to sit and chat and enjoy some time-out between shows, and this year it will appear in Trinity Green on Sunday too.
One show at SIRF 23 is even powered completely by solar energy, Squidsoup's The Power of Art, will be at Trinity Church over the four days.
The much-loved SIRF Community Carnival returns on Sunday for a day-long celebration with the procession setting off at 2pm from its traditional start point on Church Road.
Then visitors and carnival-goers can stick around and party, enjoying some family fun, including workshops, live music, dance, and live shows before the aerial finale at 9.30pm.
Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council's cabinet member for health, leisure and culture, said: “SIRF is the Borough's hugely popular signature event and I know the festival's return this summer will be welcomed by all.
“As always SIRF will give our residents and visitors plenty of opportunity to celebrate with Stockton High Street, Trinity Green and Parish Gardens coming alive with music, dancing, and the joyous sound of communities getting together.
“And after enjoying four days of fun, and family entertainment make sure not to miss Sunday's dramatic finale on Trinity Green - a truly spectacular high-flying acrobatic show Pigments from CirkVOST, taking place 15 metres above the ground!
“SIRF 23 promises to be another truly memorable festival, so keep your diary free from August 3 to August 6 and your eyes peeled for more SIRF announcements coming soon!”
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