A TOWN crier heralded the opening of Durham City's summer festival, which attracted hundreds of visitors from all over the region at the weekend.

The packed programme of events fell victim to the vagaries of the British weather with one day of sunshine and another of showers.

The festival was staged at venues from the historic Market Place and Palace Green to the picturesque river banks and Crook Hall. Among the attractions were a busking competition, a country market, a craft and gift marquee, river boat cruises and an Anglo Saxon Re-enactment.

In the city's indoor market, stallholders had got into the spirit of the weekend dressing up in mediaeval costumes.

A specially erected stage in the Market Place was the setting for the presentation of live music and the large audience was also entertained with brass band recitals and morris dancing. At Alington House, members of a quilting club put dozens of their exquisite works on display.

The two-day event was organised by the Durham City Forum and despite the wet weather on the second day, was hailed a success by the many hundreds of people who travelled into the city.