A FESTIVAL of events is being held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Durham’s World Heritage Site (WHS).

This year marks 30 years since Durham’s Cathedral and Castle became one of seven sites to be given the status when the UK joined the Unesco scheme.

Durham’s WHS has been holding events all year but is marking the official anniversary of it receiving its letter from Unesco from Friday, November 4 to Sunday, November 6.

The celebrations include a photo exhibition featuring favourite images of the site, family fun day and a series of lectures.

WHS coordinator Jane Gibson said: “We have been celebrating our 30th anniversary all year but it’s nice to have a real celebration over the weekend.

“We know everybody loves Durham and the cathedral and castle and we want to celebrate with all the people who live around here who make it special.

“We get three quarters of a million visitors to the peninsula every year and we are hoping to increase that. We are aware of how valuable heritage tourism is to the region.

“We want everyone within striking distance of the North-East to come and spend time here.”

An exhibition of photographs submitted as part of a postcard competition opens on November 2 and is on at the WHS visitor centre in Owengate all month.

Other events include a public debate on heritage at risk, including a discussion on natural and man-made threats, which is taking place in Durham Cathedral on Friday, November 4.

On Saturday, November 5, historian John Grundy will be giving a public lecture about Durham’s saints in the cathedral.

A fun day is taking place on Sunday, November 6, with children’s trails and activities, stonemason demonstrations and tours of Palace Green with young heritage ambassadors.

Children aged from seven to 13 will also have a chance to join a “scratch choir” and attend a singing workshop before performing a concert in the cathedral.

For further details of all events and the WHS conference on intangible heritage visit www.durhamworldheritagesite.com