DATES have been set for a festival which allows people living in Northumberland free or discounted entry to many of the county’s top visitor attractions.

This year’s annual Residents’ Festival – organised by the county council – will be held on Saturday and Sunday March 24 and 25.

Over the two days, residents will be able to enjoy free or cut-price admission to attractions including castles, gardens, stately homes and museums. The festival aims to showcase leading attractions, as well as give something back to local people.

This year’s participating venues include the Alnwick Garden, Cragside, Bailiffgate Museum, Belsay Hall, Bamburgh Castle, Seaton Delaval Hall, Kirkley Hall Zoo, Lindisfarne Castle and Priory, Woodhorn, Etal Castle and Newbiggin Maritime Centre.

It is the third festival and last year thousands of people took advantage of the offers. County council leader Jeff Reid said: “We hope that residents will take the opportunity to experience the wonderful attractions Northumberland has to offer.”

Residents will need special vouchers to get their free or discounted entry, and these will be available from the council website – www.northumberland.gov.uk – local libraries, council offices, tourist information centres and sports centres from mid-February. Proof of address may be required as the offer only applies to people living in the county.