Thousands of performers will showcase their talents at the 42nd Eastbourne Music and Arts Festival.

Young solo dance, group dance and song and dance performers were taking to the stage today, the first day of the half-term holidays.

The two-week festival opened yesterday in front of packed audiences at the Winter Garden in Eastbourne.

The Floral Hall will stage hundreds of performances from people of all ages from across Sussex, adjudicated by former Glyndebourne choreographer Robert Harrold.

Solo dance performances were given from 9am yesterday before group dance performers took to the stage after the lunch break.

Festival director Spencer Freeman said: "It was a jolly good day all round with a good spread of winners.

"The place was packed out, which was nice for performers who I'm sure would have been appreciated by those on stage."

A concert by winners from some of the categories will end the event on March 3.