A TOWN'S fledgling summer celebration is beginning to take off as a regular event on the calendar, despite the less than seasonal weekend weather.

Chester-le-Street town centre was a blaze of colour and activity on Saturday for Celebrate III, the third summer festival.

District council chairman Gordon Kerr began proceedings by releasing 100 balloons, backed by a proclamation from town crier Marjorie Dodds.

Music was a key element of the day, with the 30-strong North-East Concert Band, the Heritage Hall Stompers, the New Orleans Jazz Band and local school bands entertaining shoppers at various points round the town centre.

Other entertainment came in the form of balloon artist and magician Mr Windbags, the Fairly Famous Family Lifeguards and Splats circus acts. There were also stocks and sponges and a penalty shoot-out challenge.

Running in conjunction with the Front Street festivities was a steam engine rally on Riverside Park.

Events culminated in the festival parade down Front Street, headed by the king and queen of hearts on stilts followed by community groups and marching bands.

Two steam-powered vehicles from the rally also took part in the parade.

Celebrate III events co-ordinator Nicky Gott said that although the weather was not the best, the day remained largely rain-free.

She said: "The momentum seems to be picking up and it seems to be becoming increasingly more popular with both the traders and the people of the town."

She said the early signs were that the event may be further expanded next year, after being so well received at the weekend.