A NINE-hour music festival returns this year after a successful launch last summer.

The Party in the Park will be at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, Moore Lane, on Bank Holiday Sunday, August 26, from 2pm.

A variety of music will include indie, rock, brass, Seventies and pop, by several bands including Bubblegumthrash, influenced by Thin Lizzy, and The Experiment, a six-piece jazz-funk band.

Tickets, available from the sports club, cost £5 in advance or £7.50 on the day. Under-12s free.

The event is being organised by Bob Malvern, chairman of the sports club, and local musician David MacDonald. Up-to-date information can be found on the Aycliffe Rugby Club website - www.ayclifferugby.co.uk/party. php or by calling 07951-157291.