A WEEKEND of dancing and music in an attractive setting, with activities for young and old alike, is promised by the organisers of this year's Teesdale Thrash.

The Thrash, run by Black Sheep Morris, sees two days of street dancing around Barnard Castle, ending in a grand display outside the Bowes museum on Sunday, May 6. Always popular, it is sure to attract more visitors this year as people look for places to visit during the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

The action packed weekend begins next Friday with a singaround session led by Accordance at the Black Horse in Newgate at 8pm. Everyone is welcome, whether to participate or to just enjoy the music. As in previous years, the Witham hall is the main venue for the other evening events.

At the Saturday night ceilidh, there will be the vibrant music of All Blacked Up, appearing again by popular request, while for non-dancers and the footsore there will be a singaround with Roly in the red room. The Sunday concert features Artisan, Dave Summers, Nebula, Synergy and Nicky Ward. Organisers advise advance booking for the ceilidh and concert as both have sold out in recent years.

Throughout the weekend there is a craft fair, colourful street dancing, lunchtime singarounds/sessions, and a range of dance and music workshops for children and adults. There is a bouncy castle for the children, velcro olympics and an assault course on Scar Top, and entertainment by Babu Zukini in the Methodist hall.

PROGRAMME

Next Friday

Folk club, 8pm, Black Horse.

Saturday, May 5

Craft fair, 10am onwards at the Witham hall, admission free. Bouncy castle, velcro olympics and bungee running, all day on Scar Top. Procession, 11.15, followed by dance displays in the streets throughout the day. Children's entertainment, Methodist hall, morning and afternoon session, cost £1.

Lunchtime music session and singarounds led by Hugh and Christine, venues to be announced. Dance workshop, 4.30-5.30, border morris and molly dancing, £1 session. Ceilidh, 8pm, at the Witham hall, dancing to the music of All Blacked Up. Singaround evening in the red room at the Witham.

Sunday, May 6

Bouncy castle and other entertainment on Scar Top, with cup and saucer roundabout. Children's workshop, come dance and sing, 10.30-11.30, £1 session. Dance workshop, time to be announced, £1 session. Street dance displays from 11.30 onwards. Dance displays at the Bowes museum from 1.30. Lunchtime music sessions and singarounds (see board in festival office at the Witham hall). Concert at Witham hall, 8pm.

Monday, May 7

Informal survivors' dance session, 11.30 onwards.

Tickets for the ceilidh: adults £5, children £3; concert, adults £6, children £3, can be booked from Roy and Karen Tranter, 49 Victoria Road, Barnard Castle DL12 8HR, or at the festival office at the Witham hall during the weekend. Full programmes cost 50p. Workshops: pay at the door.

Anyone wishing further general information about the Thrash can contact Mr or Mrs Tranter on Teesdale 638288. Information about other amenities in the dale is available from the tourist information centre on Teesdale 690909