Thousands of people enjoyed the eighth annual Durham Streets Summer Festival during the Bank Holiday weekend, after some of the very best international street performers took over the pavements, bridges and squares across Durham.
Double act Garaghty and Thom were named as the Durham BID People’s Choice winners on their first visit to the event, following a very close public vote.
The pair, who start their act in tuxedos and finish wearing tutus and riding unicycles, kept the crowds entertained with their fast-paced juggling, improvised comedy and audience participation.
This year’s festival proved as popular as ever, with an estimated 25,000 people enjoying three days of free performances in Durham City, Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland, despite some poor weather.
Record numbers attended Sunday’s events in Durham City and the festival’s first visit to Bishop Auckland proved a big success. Streets was also welcomed back to Barnard Castle for a second year, where an even bigger audience than last year enjoyed the finale of the festival.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said, “It was great to see the crowds embracing the spirit of the Streets festival and really enjoying the performances.
“The festival brings a fantastic atmosphere to the county and it’s great to see it growing and expanding.”
Other acts performing across the weekend included street clown Pedro, family favourite Maynard Flip Flap and Fatt Matt, who won the Durham Streets People’s Choice Award in 2012 as well as Streets newcomer The Space Cowboy.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
