A food festival that attracted more than 29,000 people in April will serve up even more tasty treats, celebrity chefs and culinary inspiration when it returns next year.
Organiser Durham County Council has confirmed the 15th annual Bishop Auckland Food Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday April 18 and 19, 2020.
Traders can now apply for stands at the festival, which prides itself on showcasing the finest produce the region has to offer, along with exciting street food inspired by international cuisines.
Last year, the event attracted more than 29,000 people to the historic market town, boosting the takings of local businesses and more than 150 traders.
Hundreds of people enjoyed demonstrations by celebrity chefs including BBC MasterChef co-presenter Gregg Wallace who described Bishop Auckland as “one of the nicest, friendliest places I’ve been.”
Feedback was extremely positive, with more than 90 per cent of the visitors surveyed rating the festival as good or very good. Ninety-six per cent of visitors and 100 per cent of the local businesses surveyed also agreed the event was good for Bishop Auckland.
Next year’s offer looks set to be just as appetising, with organisers preparing an irresistible menu of famous faces, interactive cookery demonstrations, live music, children’s entertainment and more.
Cllr Joy Allen, Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism at Durham County Council, said: “Bishop Auckland Food Festival’s success means it is now a key event on the foodie calendar and shines a well-deserved spotlight on the region’s gastronomic heroes.
“It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family, but 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.
“By attracting visitors from outside of the area, it showcases the many other attractions our beautiful county has to offer, encouraging people to come back throughout the year and boost the economy further.”