THE epidemic has failed to stop a weekend of dancing and music in a market town.

The Teesdale Thrash, run by Black Sheep Morris, might bring some relief to the community around Barnard Castle, County Durham, which has been affected by the spread of the disease.

The weekend-long event will be held in Barnard Castle from this evening.

It starts with a sing-along session, led by Accordance, at the Black Horse, in Newgate, at 8pm.

Most of the events will be held in the Witham Hall, from where visitors can pick up a list of events.

The highlight of the festival is the ceilidh, held on Saturday night at the hall, featuring All Blacked Up. This will be followed by a concert at the hall, on Sunday.

Other events include a craft fair, dancing, lunchtime music, and workshops for children and adults.

There will also be a bouncy castle, velcro olympics and an assault course, on Scar Top.

To coincide with the event, there will be a producers' market, to replace the usual farmers' market, on Saturday.

The market will be held in the Market Place and will include stalls selling crafts, gifts, fish and preserves.

To find out more about the festival, contact Roy or Karen Tranter on (01833) 638288.

For further information on the market, contact Cathie Tinn on (01833) 650559.