A FESTIVAL week of music and entertainment will provide a fitting build-up to a town's historic celebration.

North Yorkshire millennium day is one of Northallerton's contributions to the year 2000 celebrations.

The day itself will provide everything from history-themed exhibitions to battle enactment displays.

The North Yorkshire millennium festival week kicks off with the Allerton Players' presentation of The Canterbury Tales at the town hall, at 7.30 tomorrow.

Other forms of entertainment include a a medieval night, North Country Theatre's production of Cartimandua, an old-time music hall night and a grand finale concert.

A folk festival, running from today until Saturday, July 15, also adds to the celebrations.

It also runs on an historical theme and has been organised by Mr Tom Hughes from Darlington folk club.

Events include a ceilidh, concert and other sessions at venues throughout the town.

Tickets for both the millennium and folk festival are available at outlets in the town and proceeds from each event will go towards the running costs of the actual history day itself.