DURHAM City was filled with music, dance and drama as more than 100 children joined a festival of street theatre.

The event in the city centre on Saturday was staged by the Government-funded body Creative Partnerships Durham Sunderland.

It was the culmination of Creative Journeys, a week-long celebration of creative work in schools across the county.

The festival, in the city's Millennium Square and Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, included performances by street theatre professionals such as illusionists, musicians and acrobats.

The climax was Fire and Fountains, a show featuring costumes made by the youngsters, who also choreographed dance routines and played music.

Creative Partnerships Durham Sunderland's director Katherine Pearson said the event had been a "marvellous showcase for the creative talent and hard work that is going on in local schools".

Meanwhile, the wet weather failed to stop the fun going ahead as Esh Winning held its summer carnival in the grounds of Esh Winning Junior School on Saturday.

The event started with a parade to the school, led by Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band, and featuring walkers in fancy dress.

It featured a range of attractions, displays of dancing and radio-controlled models, a magic show, balloon sculptor and fancy dress competition.

Music was provided by the brass band and a fairground organ and there were various stalls, face painting and a bouncy castle.

Published: 28/06/2004