REVELLERS turned out in force for a music festival at the weekend despite dismal weather.

A number of young hopefuls took to the stage at the second annual two-day Bishop Auckland College music and arts festival.

Proceedings kicked off on Friday night with a hotly-contested battle of the bands competition.

Solo artist Kill Cafe, from Hamsterley, in County Durham, took home the title presented by Bishop Auckland Mayor David Wilson.

On Saturday, hundreds were entertained by rhythm and blues legends Dr Feelgood, who flew from Paris for the event.

Highlights also included a performance by North Yorkshire’s Atlantic Soul Messengers, and Proximity Effect – a Bishop Auckland College band.

Kevin Burns, marketing manager, said the festival would raise the profile of the college, which has just invested £40m in a new build, which will include recording studios, a design centre and a college-run radio station.

He said the event was also a boost to the town, adding: “You have to go to Richmond, Newcastle or Middlesbrough, so it is important that you give people something to come to for free.

“We have had about 1,200 people through the doors so far so it has gone really well.”

Bishop Auckland Town Council and Durham County Council provided funding for the event.