Houghton Feast burst into colour on day two as the traditional carnival parade brought music, costumes, characters and plenty of community spirit to the streets.
The annual celebration returned to Houghton-le-Spring on Friday, October 2, with the programme running for ten days.
Saturday was one of the big days in the schedule, with the famous ox roast followed by the colourful community carnival parade.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The parade got underway at 2pm, travelling along Newbottle Street before making its way towards The Broadway.
There was plenty to see as bands, dancers, floats, costumed characters and classic vehicles made their way through the town.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bright costumes, colourful characters and plenty of four-legged friends also featured among the crowds and participants.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The fairground brought the familiar sights and sounds of Houghton Feast to the town alongside the parade.
Houghton Feast is about much more than one weekend of entertainment, however.
The festival has roots dating back to the 12th century, when it began as a dedication festival for St Michael and All Angels Church, celebrated as Michaelmas.
Today, that long history sits alongside a much more modern celebration, with community groups, performers, families and visitors coming together each October.
The ox roast is another tradition with a particularly long connection to the Feast.
The modern event remembers Rector Bernard Gilpin, who is said to have roasted oxen in the 16th century to provide food for poor people in Houghton.
The Durham Record Office holds photographs of previous Houghton Feast carnival parades, including images from 1977 showing floats, youth groups, jazz bands, a pipe band and crowds lining the streets.
Nearly half a century later, the formula remains instantly recognisable.
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The costumes and faces may change, but the idea remains the same: bringing the people of Houghton together for a celebration of their town.
From the parade and its colourful performers to fairground rides, costumes, pets and the crowds lining the route, there was something happening wherever you looked.
Scroll through our 54 photographs from Houghton Feast day two to see the colour and characters that filled the street - can you spot yourself?