ONE of the region’s most colourful music festivals is returning in May bringing an explosion of Afro-fusion and Latin rhythms to County Durham.

Harambee Pasadia will showcase the sights, sounds, tastes and cultures of Africa and the Caribbean at The Hub, in Barnard Castle, during the bank holiday weekend of May 22 to May 25.

Featuring world-renowned performers of Afro-beat, jazz, reggae, funk and Latin music, the four-day festival also features drumming and dance workshops, arts events, sporting activities and a great selection of African, Latin and Asian flavoured food.

It’s all the idea of Newcastle-based musicians Hannabiell Sanders and Yilis del Carmen Suriel, who turned their love of throwing music-themed parties for friends into an annual festival.

Ms Hannabiell, said: “The festival is all about celebrating Afro-fusions, diverse cultures and providing an opportunity for people to see some incredible musicians and dancers from all across the world.”

Music will be the focus each evening with a range of acts including Ray Harris and the Fusion Experience, the Manding Kabou Trio from Paris, Briannagh Dennehy, and Hannabiell & Midnight Blue.

Free workshops are offered including percussion and African drumming, Zumba, African dance, hip-hop fitness, Afro-American step dancing and even pizza making.

Tickets for festival are £45 per adult, £15 for under 18s and free for under 10s, which includes camping at The Hub.

Day tickets are available from £25 and various early bird discounts are available until May 4.

Visit creativevisionsandrhythms.com for more information or brownpapertickets.com to book tickets.