(Image: Supplied)
Musicians, singers and bands are invited to bring festive cheer to this year's Durham Christmas Festival by busking for thousands of city-centre shoppers.
Organisers want performers to sign up for slots at the event, which runs from Friday, December 4, to Sunday, December 6, and draws big crowds.
Andrea Cairns, one of the festival organisers, said: "Of course people come to the city during the festival to get lots of Christmas shopping, but they also want to get into the Christmas mood.
"We often see visitors stopping to sing along to carols.
"We're always keen to hear from performers who would like to come and perform at the festival, so get in touch and get ready to bring a little of the spirit of Christmas to Durham."
Live music will fill the streets as shoppers browse market stalls and enjoy seasonal treats.
Organisers are especially keen to hear from performers who can sing Christmas songs and carols, which are crowd favourites.
Performers are welcome to busk and collect donations during their sets.
Organisers will publish a schedule so visitors can see who is performing and where.
Performances will take place at Palace Green, the Streetfood Market, Magdalene Steps on Saddler Street and Durham Market Place.
Anyone interested in taking part is asked to email info@durhamchristmasfestival.com.
More than 200 small, independent businesses will feature across the Durham Christmas Festival's two markets.
The Craft and Producers' Marquee on Palace Green and the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place will open at 9am each day.
The popular Children's Lantern Parade will take place on Sunday, December 6.
The parade will leave Durham Market Place at 3pm and reach Durham Cathedral by 3.30pm for the St Nicholas Service.
Reserve places for the Lantern Parade on the festival website.
Discounted tickets for the Craft and Producers' Marquee are available online.
Entry costs £5 per person, or £4.50 when booked in advance.
On Friday, carers attending with the person they support get free entry, while students with valid ID pay half price.
For full details and tickets, visit www.durhamchristmasfestival.com.