ORGANISERS are promising a secure future for a popular family music festival back this summer after a three-year absence.

The Allensford Festival, traditionally held in the Derwent Valley in August each year, was cancelled in 2001 due to the foot-and-mouth epidemic. There was no event again last year, after Derwentside District Council failed in a bid for National Lottery cash to fund it.

The last time the festival did take place, in 2000, it attracted more than 15,000 visitors.

The district council has promised £15,000 towards costs this year, along with help from the Arts Council, Durham County Council and the Northern Rock Foundation.

Alex Watson, leader of the district council, promised that the festival was back for good. He said: "The future is certainly secure. I am sure it can go on growing and get even bigger."

The rebirth of the festival has attracted attention from the police and the county Highways Authority, over traffic problems at previous events. Council officials are in negotiations to change how people get to the site and will publish proposals in the coming weeks.

The three day event runs across the Bank Holiday weekend, starting from noon on Saturday, August 23. Organisers have promised a return of all the old favourite attractions, such as fairground rides, children's theatre, art events, side shows and a craft fair.

The most popular day is Allensford Roots on Monday, when bands from across the region come together for a day of rock and roots-based music, organised by the Northern Recording Co-operative, based in Consett.

It was founded by the late John Kearney, the man who also created the Stanley Blues Festival. The last event saw more than 8,000 turn out to see local heroes, Lindisfarne.

Paul Green, of Northern Recording, said: "Allensford Park is a superb riverside setting for the festival. Over the past six months, we have had inquiries from all over the country, asking if it was taking place this year.

"We aim to pick up where we left off and make Allensford Roots one of the best Bank Holiday attractions in the region."

Derwentside Leisure is looking for a main sponsor for future festivals. Anyone interested should contact Sue Fox on (01207) 218530.