A festival celebrating folklore and cultures from all over the globe is set to return to Teesside this summer.

The Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance (BIFF) is back from August 12 until August 20 for its 58th year. The festival will bring a mixture of dance, storytelling and workshops from performers all over the world - including as far away as South America and Africa.

The shows will be taking place in Billingham, Darlington and Middlesbrough across a variety of different locations, with the theme for 2023 being ‘The Dance of Time’ inspired by artist Salvador Dali’s ‘Time’ sculptures. BIFF will also be running a 'Pay For What You Decide scheme, which means punters can watch the shows, then pay after the events have finished.

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BIFF will kick off on Saturday, August 12, with its traditional Parade of Nations through Billingham Town Centre from 1.30pm onwards. This will showcase the variety of nations and performers taking part in the event. This year, performers hail from the UK as well as Chile, Colombia, Georgia, Ghana, Mexico, Peru and Philippines.

The other featured shows being staged over the eight-days include Juanita's Magic Quest, the World Dance Gala, The Two Fridas, Mexican Day of the Dead and a World of Weddings. There’s also BIFF's Children's Club, International Youth Dance Workshops and Adult Dance Workshops plus children’s poetry sessions and the exciting Time Trail for Kids.

Due to the cost of living crisis, the festival has implemented their new 'Pay What You Decide' scheme, with organisers hopeful that all Teessiders are able to make the most of the week-long event. An advance booking of just £1 will guarantee your seat for the show, with collection buckets also being present within the venues for people to make additional donations if they wish.

Billingham International Folklore Festival (BIFF) is set to return this August
Billingham International Folklore Festival (BIFF) is set to return this August

Olga Maloney, artistic director for Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance, said: “It feels great to be back! We are looking forward to welcoming audiences back to our shows across Tees Valley. We have some festival favourites performing alongside fresh and up-and-coming stars of the future in our festival arena.

“This year we have taken on-board the cost of living crisis and understand that arts and culture isn’t on the top of some people’s priority lists right now. So we’ve decided to come up with the Pay What You Decide scheme. Where people can watch the show and pay us what they desire or can afford.

“We can’t wait to see our festival regulars along with new audiences to our events and workshops, the festival is yours to enjoy. BIFF has been around for nearly sixty-years and we are still going strong!

“We are so lucky to be having dance companies flying in to the region from all over the world to perform for everyone, it will have people quite literally dancing in the streets."

Visitors will be able to enjoy performances from acts from all over the globe
Visitors will be able to enjoy performances from acts from all over the globe

Olga added: “This year we have taken on-board the cost of living crisis and understand that arts and culture isn’t on the top of some people’s priority lists right now. So we’ve decided to come up with the Pay What You Decide scheme - where people can watch the show and pay us what they desire or can afford.

“We can’t wait to see our festival regulars along with new audiences to our events and workshops. The festival is yours to enjoy. BIFF has been around for nearly sixty-years and we are still going strong!”

This year’s event has received support from Stockton Council, Tees Valley Community Foundation, the Billingham Legacy Foundation and Billingham Town Council.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: “BIFF has been an annual highlight in Billingham for almost six decades and it’s fantastic to see it return to the town once again.

“The first-class event brings hundreds of performers from across the world to the Borough and this year’s ‘Pay What You Decide’ scheme means that everyone can enjoy the festival, whatever their budget. It’s a great opportunity for people to see world-class international dance here on their doorstep and I have no doubt this year’s diverse line-up will appeal to residents and visitors alike. We’re proud to support the festival and we look forward to giving the performers a warm welcome.”

Tickets can be purchased for selected shows at the box offices of Forum Theatre, Billingham and Middlesbrough Town Hall; and from BIFF'S online box office as part of the Festival website. All of the Festival details can be found on the official website www.billinghamfestival.com – where you can also download the full festival programme.

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