THE opening event of a town's annual festival has received a £6,000 boost as preparations get under way.

This year's Houghton Feast will feature a colourful starting ceremony designed by the local people, backed by grant aid.

Funding from Sunderland City Council's Strategic Initiatives Budget (SIB) has enabled organisers to expand the ceremony, based on ideas put forward by residents.

The feast dates back to the 16th Century, when it was founded by Bernard Gilpin, the fabled Apostle of the North, a well-known clergyman.

It was revived in its present form, following a post-war lull, and has grown into a focal point for the people of Houghton-le-Spring and surrounding former colliery communities every autumn.

Amanda Gould, the council's arts and education officer, said: "Houghton Feast has been running in the coalfields area since 1967 in its present form and has grown in popularity year-on-year.

"This project is about taking this hugely popular event onto another level, working even more with the local community to develop and design an opening ceremony that people will want to see."

Part of the project involves Makers and Shakers, a local arts organisation, working with residents, schools, youth and community groups, to develop the ceremony, triggering the week-long festivities.

The opening will take place in the Broadway, Houghton, next Friday, at 7pm.

Councillor John Scott, who chairs the council's Coalfields Area Committee, said: "Houghton Feast has become a hugely successful and popular event and has certainly put the coalfields on the map in terms of holding one of the city's biggest cultural events.

"It has always attracted vast numbers of people and, throughout the past few years, the organisers have worked hard to increase resident participation, in its organisation and in the activities included."

Community groups are invited to take part in the carnival parade, through the town centre, on Saturday, October 6, at 1.30pm.

The feast runs from October 5 to 14.

Further information is available on all activities via www.sunderland.gov.uk/houghtonfeast, or on 0191-514-8444.