FAMILIES, farmers and the sick will benefit from an annual shopping festival this autumn.

Over the last 29 years, the Durham Shopping Extravaganza has raised more than £425,000 for more than 90 charities in and around County Durham.

This year’s two-day extravaganza, which starts on October 4 at Ramside Hall Hotel, will support Durham-based adoption agency DFW Adoption; St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham; My Sister’s Place, a domestic abuse charity based in Middlesbrough; and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Other causes are expected to receive donations following the event, which raises money through ticket sales, a raffle, tombola and ten percent of stallholders’ takings over the two days.

More than 70 hand-picked stalls already confirmed and last year’s sponsors - BHP Law, Sherwoods, Lycetts, Brewin Dolphin and Parklane Plowden Chambers - returning to support the DSE once again.

After successfully introducing evening opening last year, times have been extended further this year from noon to 8.30pm on October 4.

Lunch is available in the marquee from 11.30am and there is a free glass of wine for every visitor after 5pm.

Opening times on the second day are from 10am to 4pm.

Nicky Swan, co-chair of the event, said: “We are delighted with the way this year’s event is coming together.

“The demand for stalls has been very high and includes some fabulous new names, as well as popular regulars that our shoppers look forward to seeing every year”.

“We have met with all of our chosen beneficiaries, all of whom do a fantastic job in their particular areas of expertise and are thoroughly deserving of our support.

“Now all we need are lots of visitors to come along and enjoy two days of fabulous shopping, knowing that everything the DSE raises goes to charity.”

The DSE is accepting high quality raffle prizes and has opportunities for advertising in the event brochure, with space available at £45-£150. For more information, email: enquiries@durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk