A popular County Durham food festival is set to return next year.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April 2019.
As in previous years, the County Durham market town will play host to street traders and food producers from the north east and beyond.
Visitors should also look forward to inspirational cookery demonstrations, live music and plenty of activities to keep the kids amused.
2017’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival included a foodie bus tour of County Durham’s culinary delights and demonstrations by top cooks such as royal chef Rob Kennedy and Channel Four’s Fabulous Baker Brothers.
A film was made to promote food and drink experiences in County Durham and the festival was even blessed by the Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend Paul Butler.
27,000 visitors streamed into the town, leading to record sales for traders and a boost for local businesses.
And the festivalgoers certainly seem to have enjoyed themselves. 95% of those surveyed said the festival was ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
96% of visitors and 97% of local businesses felt the festival was good for Bishop Auckland – and an incredible 84% of stallholders said the Bishop Auckland Food Festival was better than similar events elsewhere.
Festivalgoers praised the event’s positive atmosphere and the sheer variety of food available. One woman surveyed said, “This was my fourth time at the food festival and it outdoes itself every year – always something new as well as old favourites.”
“(The festival) really showcases Bishop Auckland’s best features and it’s clear to see improvements made in the town year on year.”
Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, Cllr Carl Marshall, said, “Bishop Auckland Food Festival is a fantastic day out and a chance to sample some of the best food and drink the region has to offer. However, it is so much more than that.”
“The festival brings vital income into Bishop Auckland and has helped develop County Durham’s reputation as a culinary destination.”
You can keep informed about plans for next year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival by visiting www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk. You can also follow @bishfoodfest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
