HUNDREDS of people converged on an east Durham beauty spot to celebrate its past and possible future with an outdoor performance featuring choirs, a live band and evocative story telling.

The participatory production Everything There Ever Was, presented at Crimdon Dene by East Durham Creates, now part of East Durham Trust.

Original songs were written for the event by former Chumbawamba member Boff Whalley, with the lyrics reflecting the stories told by local people of their memories of the seaside location.

East Durham Creates project manager said: “It was a unique opportunity for people from east Durham to celebrate this beautiful seaside location, which holds fond childhood memories for so many who live here.

“It was attended by about 500 people. Everyone appreciated that it celebrated Crimdon Dene and said they wanted to see more things happening and more events being revived.”

Malcolm Fallow, chief executive of East Durham Trust, which manages the project, said: “ For a whole generation of east Durham people Crimdon Dene represents a major part of their lives – this event uses the arts to rekindle memories and get Crimdon back into the local psyche.”

Music was provided by the Trimdon Colliery Band, while people enjoyed a free picnic and fun activities. It was funded by the Arts Council.