HUNDREDS of people flocked to a community festival at the weekend to enjoy a feast of music, flowers and entertainment.

The Houghton Feast 2000 was launched on Friday night with a tattoo, peal of bells and lighting of a millennium beacon on the St Michael and All Saints playing field, in Houghton-le-Spring.

Saturday saw a carnival parade, featuring an array of floats, vintage and classic cars and buses, and street performers, as well as the annual pipe band competition.

And a festival of flowers and heritage photographic display on the history of the village were opened.

There was also the usual fun fair, the Sunshine Circus, and traditional ox roast on the Rectory Field.

A free fireworks spectacular will be held on the Durham Road playing fields at 7.30pm tonight.

The feast runs until October 15.

Further details of the full programme are available by telephoning 0191-553 6600.