Crowds flock to Bishop Auckland to enjoy taste of popular food festival

22nd April 2024

Thousands flocked to this weekend’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival, where celebrity chefs, tasty treats, and family fun were all on the menu.

More than 150 stalls lined the streets, with traders from County Durham and beyond selling curries, crepes, cocktails and mocktails and more.

Famous chefs including plant-based and vegan duo, BOSH!, and BBC Saturday Kitchen presenter, Matt Tebbutt, wowed the crowds with outdoor cookery demonstrations.

And with the sun shining for the most part, nearly 30,000 people attended the two-day event, which is organised by Durham County Council.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “It’s been another great weekend – packed with visitors and traders and people having a great time.

“It’s another great example of the power of cultural events to attract footfall, providing an opportunity to see all Bishop Auckland has to offer and boosting trade for the local retailers and hospitality businesses that serve the town all year round.

“We’ve had stalls selling fantastic food and drink, celebrity chefs showing off their skills, and live music, entertainment and activities for people of all ages. Traders have had an opportunity to reach new customers, with plenty of them selling out altogether.

“Best of all, people have come out and enjoyed themselves, which is what it’s all about.

“A huge effort goes into events like this and I’d like to thank our traders and celebrity guests, the festival’s supporters and sponsors, and all the staff and volunteers who have made this happen.

“Of course, This is just one of many events we organise and there are plenty more to look forward to this year, with Brass in July and Seaham Food Festival in August among the highlights.”

Bishop Auckland Food Festival is just one of the many cultural events taking place in County Durham this year, cementing Durham’s position as the ‘culture county’ and demonstrating the council's ongoing commitment to culture-led regeneration.

This includes delivering key projects within County Durham’s shortlisted UK City of Culture bid; progressing major capital projects and raising the county's profile as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and invest.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival is supported by Bishop Auckland Town Council and Durham County Council's Towns & Villages programme.