DURHAM is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to its fourth Christmas Festival this weekend.
Yesterday, staff at the city's Tourist Information centre, gearing up for a hectic weekend, received mince pies from the city's own Peters Cathedral Bakers.
Colin Wilkes, chairman of the Durham City Forum, said: "Last year we had 50 coaches come up from as far away as Gloucester, Lincoln, Lancashire and Derby.
"It was the first year where they came and stayed overnight at local hotels. We are hoping we'll get the same this year.''
The festival starts on Friday with a Christmas market in Market Place at 10am and an exhibition of crafts in the Town Hall. Carols will be sung in Market Place at 4pm before Mayor George Wharton switches on the Christmas lights half an hour later.
Entertainers, including stilt walkers, dancers, singers, musicians and bands, will be performing at various points throughout the city.
Park and ride bus services will operate on Saturday starting at 9am from County Hall and Durham City FC at New Ferens Park, Belmont.
The service will run on Sunday from County Hall only
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