A POPULAR rural event featuring dancing and music is set to bring a market town to life next month.

Preparations for the 15th Teesdale Thrash, which will be held in Barnard Castle, County Durham, from May 2 to 4, will include two days of dancing and music.

There will be a craft fair, folk singing, sing-arounds and workshops held in the town throughout the event.

Children will be entertained by a cup and saucer roundabout, Velcro Olympic events, and an assault course at Scar Top, next to the castle.

There will also be entertainment in the Witham Hall from magician Ian Wragg, and a ceilidh will be held on Saturday night.

The Teesdale Thrash has proved popular in the past, and was one of the few community festivals in Teesdale to go ahead during the foot-and-mouth crisis, which caused the cancellation of farming shows and the annual meet.

For details of events, call Roy Tranter on (01833) 638288.