THE rich ancestry of Weardale folk will be celebrated during an eight-day festival this summer.
Weardale Family History Festival will feature a series of talks and exhibitions covering various topics but focused on the lives and times of the people of Weardale, where many families are inter-connected.
Mike Amos will open the festival at St Thomas’ Church in Stanhope at 11am on Saturday, July 1, and it will run until Sunday, July 9.
An exhibition in the church will run from July 2 to July 9, from 10am to 5pm, with experts available to help with family history queries from 11am to 4pm each day.
A series of talks will take place each day at 2pm from July 2 to July 8 covering topics including getting started in family history and emigration from Weardale.
Admission is free and refreshments will be available.
A spokesperson said: “We look forward to welcoming people from all over the area to our beautiful, ancient church which has played such a large part in the family history of Weardale.
“There will be something for everyone from beginners to the more experienced family historian and we have children’s activities also.
“If successful we hope to repeat the festival on a regular basis.”
For further details contact Sarah Haynes on 01388-528673 or visit stthomasstanhope.co.uk/events
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