A TRADITIONAL festive feel descended over a Durham city centre last night as it launched a seasonal shopping event.

The city's Christmas Festival 2002 was launched with carol-singing around the tree in the Market Place.

The mayor, Councillor Eileen Rochford, was joined by the choir from St Godric's RC Primary School, Durham University's Rock Gospel Choir and Framwellgate School's brass band, for the Carols and Christmas songs.

Events then moved to the nearby Millennium Square, home to a temporary ice rink over Christmas, where mulled wine and refreshments were served.

The festival gets under way today with a Eurocrafts exhibition in the town hall, including a Belgian chocolate-maker.

There is also a Christmas market in the Market Place and on Framwellgate Bridge.

By tomorrow, the streets of Durham will be filled with Christmas musical entertainment, Victorian "gentlemen and their ladies" strolling round handing out programmes, while on Palace Green, gifts and crafts marquees, horse and carriage rides and a period bicycle display will entertain visitors.

The road through the Market Place will be closed from 10am to 4pm, on Saturday, and from 12.30pm to 4pm, on Sunday.

A park and ride scheme will be run both days with buses from County Hall and Durham City football ground.

The charge is £1 per car with buses every ten minutes