THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a city's annual Christmas festival this weekend.

Live music, street entertainment and seasonal shopping was on offer at the Durham Christmas Festival.

There were performances by Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band, Durham Cathedral Young Singers, Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band and others.

A marquee containing more than 50 craft stalls was set up on Palace Green, in the shadow of Durham Cathedral.

Children could enjoy a visit to Santa's Grotto. St Nicholas' Church hosted family entertainment including choir performances and puppet shows. Clayport Library offered Christmas-themed workshops.

One of the highlights saw about 150 children taking part in the St Nicholas' lantern procession to the cathedral.

Over the weekend, more than 60 coaches brought visitors to Durham for the festival.

Colin Wilkes, from Marketing Durham, said: "It's been an absolutely smashing weekend. We've been very lucky with the weather.

"It's the first time in three or four years we've had two consecutive dry days for the festival.

"Saturday was as busy as I can remember it for a Christmas festival and Sunday was very busy very early. It's been tremendous."