A THREE-day Christmas festival featuring markets, fire eating, a lantern procession and carols is starting tomorrow (Friday).

Hundreds of market traders are selling crafts, gifts, food and drinks at markets around Durham.

The festival features a craft and gift marquee on Palace Green, a regional producers’ market in the cloisters of Durham Cathedral and three more festive markets in the Market Place and Millennium Place.

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets which organises the festival with Durham University, said: “The Christmas Festival is Durham’s busiest retail weekend of the year, and a great event for the whole city.

"People tell us each year, the Durham Christmas Festival is the start of Christmas.”

The annual children’s lantern procession is taking place at 3.45pm on Saturday, which finishes with a service at Durham Cathedral.

Other highlights on Saturday include a fire eating show on Palace Green at 4.45pm and mulled wine and mince pie tours of Durham Castle at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Dozens of choirs and brass bands will also be performing at spots around the city over the three days.

Carol services are being held in Durham Cathedral at 11am and 2pm on Saturday and at 2pm on Sunday.

Tickets are needed to enter the marquee but other markets are free.