MORE than a hundred seemingly unconnected people simultaneously broke into dancing as the latest flash mob hit Durham City at the weekend.

The bizarre event, known as 12:21 because it began at 12.21pm, moved across the city centre on Saturday lunchtime, and was staged to promote the 36th Durham Drama Festival.

It began with people abandoning their shopping in The Gates shopping centre to start dancing, as instructed.

Participants then moved to Framwelgate Bridge, posing as tourists before suddenly freezing as statues.

The flash mob then danced its way into the Market Place, saying hello and high-fiving passers by, before volunteers hurriedly hid wherever they could.

They were then told to imitate ancient Egyptians, jellyfish, kangaroos and a marching band, before starting a conga line up to Palace Green.

In front of Durham Cathedral, the group split into two to run at each other as in battle, armed only with balloons, before the event ended with a disco and participants gradually dissipated.

The Durham Drama Festival features more than 40 events, including acting, dance, workshops, question-andanswer sessions, stand-up comedy, acoustic music and social events.

It runs from February 23 to 26. For more information, go to dramafest.co.uk