A NORTH-EAST market town is preparing to host its first arts festival at the end of this month.

The three-day festival takes place in Barnard Castle Methodist Church, County Durham, from Saturday to Monday, May 29 to 31.

The festival is called Teesdale - A Celebration of Creativity and has the theme of All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Penelope Harrison, festival co-ordinator, said: "We had a Methodists' away day last May, and it came about that people would like to see an arts festival in Teesdale.

"It's been a lot of hard work, but we have got people from all over Teesdale involved."

The festivals contains work by local schools and youth groups, craft groups, Women's Institutes, professional artists and many other groups and individuals.

There will be permanent exhibitions on show in the Methodist church and regular demonstrations throughout the weekend by choirs, dance groups, poetry readings, musicians and bands.

Other activities include a huge mosaic of High Force and the River Tees, which everyone is encouraged to help complete.

Barnard Castle Meet takes place at the same weekend and the demonstrations have been timed so as not to clash.

The festival opens at 10am on Saturday with guest David Bellamy giving a talk called Each Little Flower that Opens.

All festival attractions are free and a free guide to events can be obtained at Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre.

The organisers are looking for children, aged between five and 12, to sing in a choir at the opening ceremony. There will be a rehearsal on Thursday, May 27, at 7pm.

Anyone interested in joining the choir is asked to call Ms Harrison on (01833) 638888.

Published: 11/05/2004