MORE than 20,000 shoppers flooded a city centre as two festivals were staged last weekend.

The second Durham Food Festival and 22nd Durham Book Festival were both held in Durham City last weekend, making it one of the busiest weekends for city centre retailers so far this year.

About 10,000 people visited Durham Indoor Market, while a Gourmet Food Marquee on Palace Green attracted 9,000 visitors.

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets, said: “Thank you very much to all those who have helped to make this year’s Food Festival such a tremendous event.

“It’s an excellent way to celebrate the very best of all the region has to offer and we look forward to a bigger and even better event next year.”