THE organisers of the Durham Summer Festival say this year's extended four-day event promises to be the biggest and best yet.

The city centre will offer a wide range of attractions and entertainment from Thursday, July 5, to Sunday, July 8.

The event usually begins on Friday afternoon, but the hope is that by adding another day even more people will be drawn to the city.

City centre manager Chris Rawlinson said: "This year's festival will be mega, it will be the biggest and best we have held so far.''

The festival will get under way on the Thursday with a pottery fair on Palace Green that will run throughout the weekend.

Friday and Saturday will see a market dedicated to Northumbrian produce in the Market Place.

On Saturday and Sunday, an Anglo Saxon re-enactment group will be camped on Palace Green, recreating everyday life in the Dark Ages. There will also be a craft and gift marquee and falconry displays.

Durham Town Hall will host the Eurocrafts crafts fair featuring the produce of local craftsmen, on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, there will be an outdoor craft market in the Market Place and also live music, from 1pm, that will include Millennium, the tribute to singer Robbie Williams.

Members of the Newcastle Eagles will take part in a basketball challenge in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre.

Mrs Rawlinson said: "When the festival is on, people come to the city and spend money in the shops and at visitor attractions.

"It is important economically to Durham."