TRADITIONAL dancers and musicians will congregate in Durham for the city's annual folk party this weekend.

The 15th party features a series of concerts, impromptu pub performances and open-air displays at venues across the city centre from today until Sunday.

A new feature to the usual format this year is a Shanties and Sea Songs event, at the Court Inn, Court Lane, tomorrow, at noon, moving to the city rugby club, at Hollow Drift, off Green Lane, at 6pm.

The party includes the Northern Counties Clog Dancing Championship, throughout the day on Saturday, at the Town Hall, which will stage an evening ceilidh, featuring the Moorcock band and Burt Hunter, at 8pm.

Dance teams will perform in street locations across the city centre, with a massed display in the Market Place, from midday on Saturday and Sunday.

Celebrations conclude with a Survivors Singaround at the rugby club, on Sunday evening. In keeping with event traditions, the Old Copper Kettle trophy will be presented.