ORGANISERS have already announced the date of a festival next year after 3,000 people attended a weekend of fun in a former pit village.

The third annual Great Lumley Festival at Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, last weekend (July 5 and 6) featured a wide range of activities and attractions on the Methodist Church field

These included an assault course, mini-golf, archery pony rides, a racing car display and market stalls

As well as a football tournament for youngsters and a gig in the community centre on Saturday night featuring local performers.

Sunday had a vintage theme and featured funfair rides, a display of classic cars and a Sunday School service at the Methodist Church. A fun run was held in the afternoon and the presentation ceremony rounded off the event.

A spokesman for the organising committee said: “The event is about community inclusion and bringing as many aspects of the village together.

“Costs are kept as low as possible and the site is accessible for those with disabilities.

“Now in its third year, the festival is something they hope every organisation in the village can be a part of somehow.

“The local junior school created scarecrows for the event, which adorned the site on the Vintage Sunday, and their choir also performed. The scouts provided tents for the event and the Methodist Church provided a second venue for bouncy castles, funfair games and served food all day from their café.

“The sunshine stayed out all weekend for a wonderful weekend of fun and games, and it is estimated that 2,000 people visited the site on Saturday, with another 1,000 on the Vintage Sunday.

“The committee, which only has around ten members, is looking to grow the event further next year and is always looking for new members.”

The committee is planning to hold next year’s event on July 4 and 5.