A FESTIVAL of singing, dancing and performance is being held in aid of charity.

The Shotley Bridge Eisteddod is being held in the grounds of Shotley Bridge Cricket Club, near Consett, on Sunday, July 26.

The event is being billed as ‘a celebration of the area's talent, involving local bands and musicians, comedians, poets, magicians and performers of all descriptions’.

There will also be a 'mini-marquee' with performances from professional story-tellers and money raised will go towards the Consett branch of the Royal British Legion.

Organiser Steve Watson, a former soldier, said: “The sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and their relatives have essentially been to preserve our rights and freedom of speech and expression.

“From the Great War through to the recent conflicts, we have as a community have stood firm to ensure that people are free to speak their minds, express themselves, create and dream.

“What better way to honour our kin-folk than to celebrate in song, verse and performance, the diversity that is the harvest of their hard fought freedoms?

“We invite and welcome all performers to come along and showcase their uniqueness and talents as a mark of respect to those men and women who went before us, and allowed us to be who we are.”

“We already have a number of committed acts but we are still looking for local artistes from any branch of the performing arts.”

The event is scheduled to run from 2pm-10pm. Entry is free and all donations are welcome. Mr Watson has also organised a charity auction and race night at Consett AFC March 28.