A FREE festival to teach Sedgefield residents more about environmentally-friendly living will be held next month.

The event, called Action Packed Futures 2005, will be staged on Sunday, June 19, in the grounds of Whitworth Hall in Spennymoor.

Entertainment will be provided alongside interactive displays on themes including energy, waste and recycling, wildlife and gardening.

An environmental magician, orchestra, karate demonstrations, Newcastle All Stars Steel and face painting is included in the event.

Weapons of Sound play music using recycled industrial waste, including gas pipes and shopping trolleys.

A spokesman for the borough council said: "The organisers of the event are delighted to bring to the North-East Weapons of Sound, who are internationally acclaimed and the most innovative band ever to leap out of a pile of rubbish."

There will be a free park-and-ride service running between Sedgefield council offices car park at Green Lane, Spennymoor and Whitworth Hall. The event will run from 11am to 5.30pm.