A NEW festival aimed at inspiring people to get outside is taking place this weekend.

The Durham Adventure Festival, which features motivational speakers and a film programme, takes place at the Gala Theatre, where dogs will be allowed in for the first time, from Friday to Sunday.

As well as ticketed events, there will be a free “basecamp”, giving people the opportunity to share their own tales.

John Robson, a founder of Fire and Ice Expeditions, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and shout about the great outdoors in and around Durham.

“For the walker, jogger, runner or cyclist, the Durham area has a variety of terrains from Shincliffe or Houghall Woods, to Hamsterley or Kielder Forest, to the delightful River Wear or River Tees.

“This type of event is perfect for hearing about the diverse experiences of people who have completed extreme challenges from around the world.”

Tickets are still available for speakers including world-record breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont, runner Elise Downing and Dave Cornthwaite, who is taking on a series of journeys each using a different form of motorised transport.

Visit www.durhamadventurefestival.co.uk for further details.