A PARISH council in South Durham is set to host an ambitious celebration of culture with an impressive line-up of national and international acts.

Trimdon Parish Council secured almost £10,000 from the Big Lottery’s Celebrate fund for the ten-day Trimfest which will descend on the cluster of villages next month.

Cllr Paul Trippett said: “We are pleased to be able to promote our community and community venues through ten days of music, art and culture from not only our area but from across the world. We’re pleased to have the support of local schools and children who will experience new cultures by getting involved in the music and dance workshops that we are promoting along with shows and plays. We believe there will be something for everyone.”

Trimfest is being organised by the council with the help of local councils and groups while Gateshead-based GemArts was enlisted to support the project.

Kicking off the festival on October 20 will be Trimdon Community Concert, presented by Durham Music Service and showcasing the talents of Trimdon Concert Brass Band, youngsters from local schools and the service’s Dene Beat – World Percussion Group will bring lively Samba rhythms from South America.

On the second evening Enter CIC will perform original production Home Fires which brings to life the stories of soldiers and their families during the First World War.

Family fun will be on offer on Saturday, October 22, in the form of a craft fair and the Mini Mela - an opportunity to for people of all ages to take part in drumming, dance and visual arts workshops and learn about cultures from across the globe.

World music band The Baghdaddies will perform on Sunday, October 23 and youngsters are invited to join GemArts on Tuesday, October 25, for Halloween around the World workshops.

International performer and storyteller Peter Chand will deliver a workshop on Wednesday, October 26, before performing Tongue, Tied and Twisted in the evening - a modern twist on traditional Indian tales accompanied by live DJ mixes and soundscapes.

A Bavarian night with the Bier Keller Stein Stars will be held on Friday, October 28, while Sunday, October 30, will see percussionist and musician Hannabiell deliver a drum and dance workshop.

She will be joined by Midnight Blue in the evening for a fusion of Afro-Caribbean and Latin percussion, jazz, Afro-beat, funk and reggae.

For more information about the programme, venues, times and costs call 01429 880224 or email trimdonpc@tiscali.co.uk