Here are the best free events we've found for this week across the county, August 19-25 2019.

If you want some entertainment either for yourself or the children, but don't want to have to pay out for expensive tickets, some of Durham's free events are the way to go. This is what's on this week.

#1: Wharton Brass Concert, Wharton Park

The series of Wharton Park brass concerts continues on Sunday August 25 at 1-3pm. Simply head down to the amphitheatre in Wharton Park (behind Durham railway station) for this free concert.

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#2: Killhope - Kids Go Free Days

Killhope Lead Mining Museum at Cowshill, Bishop Auckland, gives free entry to children on Mondays during school holidays (admission fees apply for all others).

Call 01388 537505 for more information.

#3: Crazy Creatures, Derwent Waterside Park

Head to Derwent Waterside Park on Wednesday August 21 10am to 2pm for a chance to meet some creatures. Crazy Creatures North East will take along a selection of creepy crawlies, from corn snakes and boa constrictors, to tarantulas, scorpions and chameleons, plus ferrets, mice and rats.

There will also be appearances from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham Police's Dog Section and Northumbria Police's Marine Unit, plus Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol. You can also park for free at Derwent Reservoir.

Call 03451 550236 for more information.

#4: Volunteering with a View, The Land of Oak and Iron

Help the Woodland Trust maintain a newly planted wood at Castlehills Woodland, near the Derwent Valley. It's on Wednesday August 21 10am to 3pm, and all tools will be provided, as well as tea and coffee, but take stout shoes, waterproofs and a packed lunch. Contact ClaireGreen@woodlandtrust.org.uk before attending.

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#5: Late Summer Lectures, Durham University

Durham University's English department is holding a series of free late summer lectures. The public talks will share the latest research on the theme of 'Time and Place' in literature.

This week is 'Bakhtin and Shakespeare', and Helen Clifford will open up a new perspective on Shakespeare's plays through the eyes of the Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin.

The Durham University free talk is on Wednesday August 21 at 5.30-6.30pm, and is held at Alington House Community Association, on North Bailey near to Palace Green (postcode DH1 3ET). Call 0191 334 2500 for more information.

#6: Full Moon Market, Durham

On Friday August 23, the monthly Durham Full Moon Market returns to the Durham Marketplace. From 4-9pm, there'll be a selection of live music to keep you entertained. It's suitable for all ages.

You can enjoy the music for free but if you are inclined to spend a little, then you could always purchase from one of the food stalls which have previously included The Asian Project, The Greek Kitchen, The Green Guerrilla, Fat Hippo Fleet, Perissa, Kimchi Planet, Earth and Fire Pizza, The French Pop Up, The Belgian Waffle Tuk, Smokie Dokies, and Coffee Supreme.

Read next: Events at Bowes Museum for the rest of August 2019

#7: Ranger Fun, Hardwick Park

Hardwick Park is holding free Ranger Fun events every Sunday afternoon, 1-3pm. You can take part in den building, pond dipping and bug hunting. No booking is required. Call 0300 026 2899 for more information.

#8: Hamsterley Hoppings 2019, Hamsterley

On Sunday August 25 join in the fun at this traditional village fair with stalls, rides, competitions, vegetable and flower shows on the village green and in the village hall in Hamsterley. Call 07721739060 for more information.

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