FOLK fans are preparing for a weekend of song and dance in Durham City.

The 11th Durham Folk Party will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at venues in the city.

These will include Durham Rugby Club where, on Saturday, there will be an Irish dancing workshop from 9am to noon upstairs, while downstairs, musicians' sessions will be held.

Starting at 2pm upstairs, there will be traditional folk music competitions.

At 8pm, the rugby club will host a folk club session featuring special guests Terry Conway and Liz Law, Katie Buckhaven, and new group Magpie.

The Folk Party will feature a new event on Saturday at the town hall, a story-telling session hosted by Thor Ewing, and funded by Durham City Arts.

The highlight of Saturday night will be a ceilidh at 8pm, featuring the Trimdon Folk Band and Mike Longstaff.

On Sunday, there will be story-telling at the Dun Cow pub, starting at noon.

The rugby club will host a singaround session upstairs and musicians' session downstairs.

The Folk Party will close on Sunday evening in the club with a "survivors' session" singaround.

For details of the weekend, telephone Durham Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, on 0191-384 3720.