CHART-TOPPING teen band Atomic Kitten will top the bill at a festival which has grown so big organisers have had to change its name.

From this year, Allensford Show will be known as the Allensford Music Festival to reflect its higher profile.

Last year, 15,000 attended the event which is held at Allensford picnic area, near Consett, over the bank holiday weekend.

This year's show starts with an outdoor theatre performance, by County Durham- based Jack Drum Arts, called Two Thousand Feet - a journey through history, celebrating the rivers of County Durham.

Also on Saturday is a stage programme of pop music aimed at a youth audience.

Alongside Atomic Kitten will be Boston boy band B-Factor.

Sunday's entertainment is more relaxed and includes outdoor ecumentical services, led by local churches, with music by Consett Junior Brass.

There will also be music from two groups from Consett's Moorside School.

A programme called the Allensford Roots 2000 Concert is planned for Monday. Compered by "Mouth of the Tyne" DJ Mike Elliot the programme features Bobby Valentino and Los Pistoleros, The Karen McManus Band, Lauging Gravy, Eastside Torpedoes Soul Band and Summerlands.

The festival, which is organised by Derwentside District Council leisure services and Northern Recording, is free. The show field is open from 11am daily.

A bus service will operate throughout the weekend, starting and finishing at Consett bus station