A WEEKEND of festivities will be held to celebrate the official opening of Chester-le-Street's Civic Heart.

Chester-le-Street District Council leader Linda Ebbatson will open the refurbished market place and the Civic Heart at 10.30am, next Saturday.

The opening ceremony will also include the unveiling of a time capsule that contains various items from local schools.

This will be followed by public entertainment, including live music, Irish dancers, rides and face painters. There will be a prize draw throughout the day.

From 9am to 6pm on Sunday, June 3, a traditional European market will be held to launch the regular Sunday markets. Children's entertainment and face painting will be on offer.