A HIDDEN corner of a city will be transformed into a medieval village for a special celebration.

A grassed area behind St Margaret’s Church, on Crossgate, Durham, will welcome animals, knights, archers and stocks, for a medieval fair being staged to celebrate the church’s 850th anniversary.

The family day will be held on Saturday, June 5, from 10am to 5pm.

The Rev Barnaby Huish, Rector of St Margaret’s, said: "To celebrate 850 years, the congregation wanted an event that would make the past come alive and celebrate our close church-community links.

"Above all, we wanted to have fun and to share our festivities with as many people as possible. The fair is our gift to local people, in thanks for many centuries of local support and involvement."

Visitors will be able to try medieval food, crafts, singing and music making. Pupils of St Margaret’s School will perform a pageant, Durham University archaeologists will explain what medieval life was like and there will be historic re-enactments.

Admission is free. Donations will go to the St Margaret’s Well Appeal, to sink a well in Tanzania.

The fair follows an 850th anniversary reunion service held on Sunday, May 23.

For more information, visit stmargaretsdurham.org.uk or email: StMargarets850@gmail.com