THE opening event of a town's annual festivities has received a £6,000 shot-in-the-arm as preparations reach fever pitch.

This year's Houghton Feast celebration will feature a colourful starting ceremony designed by the local community, backed by special grant aid.

Funding from Sunderland City Council's Strategic Initiatives Budget (SIB) has enabled feast organisers to improve the ceremony, based on ideas put forward by the local community.

The feast dates back to the 16th Century, founded by Bernard Gilpin, the fabled 'Apostle of the North', a well-known local clergyman.

It was revived in its present guise, following a post-war lull, and is now a focal point for the people of Houghton-le-Spring and surrounding former colliery communities every autumn.

Amanda Gould, the council's arts and education officer, said: "Houghton Feast has been running in the coalfields area since 1967 in its present form and has grown in popularity year-on-year.

"This project is about taking this hugely popular event onto another level, working even more with the local community to develop and design an opening ceremony that people will want to see."

Part of the project involves Makers & Shakers, a local group arts organisation, working with local residents, schools, youth and community groups, to develop the ceremony, triggering the week-long festivities.

The opening ceremony takes place in the Broadway, Houghton, on Friday, October 5, at 7pm.

Councillor John Scott, who chairs the council's Coalfields Area Committee said: "Houghton Feast has become a hugely successful and popular event and has certainly put the coalfields on the map in terms of holding one of the city's biggest cultural events.

"It has always attracted vast numbers of people and throughout the last few years the organisers have worked hard to increase resident participation both in its organisation and in the activities included."

Meanwhile, community groups are invited to take part in the annual carnival parade, through the town centre, on Saturday, October 6, at 1.30pm.

The feast runs from October 5 to 14, with further information available on all activities via www.sunderland.gov.uk/houghtonfeast, or via 0191-514-8444.