Food fans are encouraged to save the date for the return of one of the region’s biggest food festivals.
Durham County Council has confirmed Bishop Auckland Food Festival will return to the town on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13.
Each year the two-day event attracts thousands of visitors for a jam-packed weekend full of food, fun, and entertainment.
The festival will feature over 140 independent traders selling everything from street food, cakes, locally brewed drinks, cheeses and chutneys, and even homeware and pet treats.
Trader applications are now open for 2025 and vendors are being encouraged to express their interest before the deadline.
Companies are encouraged to go to the Bishop Auckland Food Festival website for more information and links to apply.
They will be asked to submit as much information as possible about their products, produce, business and include latest news, awards, images of their set up and links to their social media.
Businesses have until midnight on Friday 10 January to submit their application, with those successful notified shortly afterwards.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Festival season may have finished for the year, but here in County Durham we are already looking ahead and making exciting preparations for the return of Bishop Auckland Food Festival next year.”
“Being part of a festival such as this is a huge boost to independent traders.
“Not only do they benefit from increased trade from the thousands of visitors that attend across the weekend, but it also gives them the opportunity to meet new customers, build their client base, and get their name out there.
“We would encourage traders to mark Bishop Auckland Food Festival in their calendars and get their application in as soon as possible so they can be involved in this amazing opportunity.”
As well as a host of traders offering delicious street food, Bishop Auckland Food Festival also features a series of cookery demonstrations from a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs, as well as a packed programme of live entertainment and fun family activities.
Further details of the festival, including celebrity guest announcements, will be released in the new year.
Traders who wish to be part of the festival can apply online at bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk.
