Noon: Cemetery is opened to visitors, with the unveiling of display boards giving information on the cemetery's four veterans of the First World War

12.30pm-12.45pm: Talk by Richard Curry, of Houghton Local History Group, about his ancestor William Hollis, killed in Houghton Pit in 1907

12.45pm-1pm: Talk by Houghton Local History Group on the Union Workhouse, which provided the cemetery with ten per cent of its inhabitants

1.15pm-2pm: Dr Andy Lane will lead a guided geological tour of the graveyard, including notes on what makes a good headstone

2.30pm-3.45pm: Historian Paul Lanagan leads a guided tour of the graveyard, pointing out notable tombs along the way.

Throughout the day, there will be photographic exhibitions, Victorian undertakers in fancy dress, and a chance to search the registers for family members. There will also be cream teas.

Entry is 50p, including a free guide map and notes for each visitor.

Houghton Hillside Cemetery is on Sunderland Street, Houghton-le-Spring, near Houghton Cut on the A690. Visitors are advised there is no parking at the cemetery and drivers should park in the town and walk.