A CHARITY festival could become an annual fixture after the inaugural event proved a huge success.

The first Shotley Bridge Eisteddfod, held at the village’s cricket club on Sunday (July 26), featured live music, dancing, theatre, comedy and more.

Performers included The Skapones, The Old Grey Bristle Pests, the Jane Dobson Dance and Theatre School, Consett YMCA’s Act On youth theatre and Shotley Bridge Junior School Choir.

There were also information stands and displays, storytellers, artists showing their work and a tug of war competition.

All was in aid of the Consett and District branch of the Royal British Legion and a two-minute silence was observed in memory of fallen servicemen and women.

Organiser Steve Watson, a former soldier, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. It was the first time we’d done it. The weather was a little inclement but it was a really great day.

“I’ve had lots of good feedback on social media and people saying they’ll now come to Remembrance Day.”

Mr Watson said the Eisteddfod would be repeated next year. Further details will be announced in due course.