A COMMUNITY group in north Durham is launching its own music and dance festival at the weekend.

The festival in Chester-le-Street has been developed by a whole range of partners of the Chester West and Central Community Project over the past seven months.

Brothers Alex and Dominic Beebe, who star in the hit series Byker Grove, will open the event, at Hermitage School, from 10am on Saturday, July 9. The brothers are returning to familiar territory, having attended Hermitage School themselves.

The event, featuring workshops, displays and interactive sessions, will continue until 10pm.

Performances will include the Tavistock Chester-le-Street Riverside Band, 4 Tune, Ashley Peacock, ME North East, St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, Bullion Lane Primary School, Cestria Primary School, Youth Moves, Voicemale, Adam Lee and other youth dance and drama groups from the area.

Entry is free and will include access to the workshops that run from 11am to 6pm.

For further information, contact Karen Smith on 0191-389 0293.