Durrington Festival dates announced

The week-long event will take place June 2-June 9 and will culminate with a medieval-themed village fayre in the Pond Lane recreation ground.

The fayre, considered the highlight of the festival, will feature more than 90 voluntary and charitable organisations and will also see the return of a free concert in the evening with top local bands, Sandweaver, Mr Smith and The Decoys.

Lisa Hector, joint committee chairman, said: "We are really excited about the festival this year and want to thank Lloyds TSB Registrars for supporting us again.

"We aim to give the festival a whole new lease of life with a medieval theme and there will be mock executions, putting people in stocks and some great activity from the Sompting Banqueteers."

Another new feature will be the Durrington Youth Community Achievement Award, which will recognise youngsters under 18 who have had a positive impact on Durrington.

Nominations can be made by completing forms and posting them in boxes placed at locations across Durrington.

Organiser Zoe Merry said: "We hope that people will want to nominate young people who they feel have made a really positive difference to Durrington and made it a better place to live."

Forms and voting boxes can be found at Durrington Library, New Life Church coffee shop, Northbrook Barn Community Centre, Durrington Community Centre, Hawthorns First School and the reception of LloydsTSB Registrars in Yeoman Road.

The festival committe will draw up a shortlist of finalists who will be published in the Herald for final voting.

Votes can also be cast on-line at www.durringtonfestival.org.uk

Anyone who would like to put on an event during festival week, participate in the carnival or to have a stall at the village fayre should contact Lisa Hector on 01903 529333.