A MAGICAL first-of-its-kind festival of fire and ice will be held later this month.

The six-day Fire and Ice In Durham will see flaming beacons and stunning ice sculptures lead visitors on an awesome trail around the medieval city.

There will also be fire and ice workshops, live ice sculpture and carving, the chance to try ice carving, fire and ice-inspired street entertainment and a two-night grand finale.

The event was inspired by exploration of the North and South Poles and the ice sculptures will be created by Glacial Art, who carved ice sets for TV phenomenon Game of Thrones.

Adam Deathe, business engagement manager at organisers Durham Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Durham and the North-East’s associations with the Poles are really incredible and so worth celebrating as part of the festival.

“Both local scientists and explorers have contributed to our understanding of these vast continents and it’s fantastic to be able to demonstrate this in an exciting format for everyone to enjoy.

“We’re excited for visitors to the city to experience something really amazing and dramatic. With so many different activities and things to see and do, we’re thrilled to welcome people living close by and those from further afield to experience something truly spectacular.

“The festival is set to be a dramatic addition to Durham’s growing list of renowned events.”

There will be family-friendly fire and ice workshops from February 15 to 18 from 10am to 4pm; visitors can try ice carving on Friday, February 19, from noon to 4pm; and there will be live ice sculpture and carving on Saturday, February 20, from noon to 4pm. All these activities will be in Durham Market Place.

On the Friday and Saturday, there will be fire and ice-themed street entertainment across the city centre from noon to 4pm; a fire beacons and ice sculptures trail around the city; and a spectacular finale with music, fire, lights, projections and more in the Market Place each evening from 5.30pm.

Mr Deathe added: “Although there are similar festivals in other cities, Fire and Ice In Durham really sets the city apart.

“We’re able to show just how exciting Durham City is by combining both the fire and ice elements together to create something unique and entertaining. It will make the city glisten whilst celebrating the city’s inspirational and worldwide significance.”

There will also be special offers on meals out and fashion. For more information, visit durhambid.co.uk/fireandice