Wave of success for Seaham Food Festival

5th August 2024

Thousands took a trip to the seaside to enjoy some fun, sun, and the return of one of the region’s biggest food festivals.

People flocked to Seaham Food Festival this weekend for two days of food, family entertainment, and cooking demonstrations from some of the nation’s favourite chefs.

The Durham County Council-run festival featured its signature cookery theatre, which hosted a line up of celebrities including TV chefs Rosemary Shrager and Phil Vickery; world-renowned chocolatier Paul Young; former MTV Dirty Sanchez frontman Matt Pritchard; Bishop Auckland’s Mike Bartley; and Great British Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley.

They were joined by festival favourite Chris Bavin who returned to Seaham to host on the cookery stage.

Festivalgoers also got the chance to try a variety of dishes and goods from over 120 traders, selling everything from Sicilian, Sri Lankan and Portuguese street food, to churros, crepes, and cupcakes.

And while enjoying the delicious dishes on offer, they were entertained by a range of performances and activities, which included a dedicated music stage and a dolphin spotting station provided by Wildspace - See the Sea.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “What a fantastic weekend we have had. It is great to see so many people coming back again and again to enjoy what Seaham Food Festival has to offer, as well as seeing the delight of people experiencing the festival for the first time.

“Each year Seaham Food Festival attracts thousands of people to the town, providing an economic boost to businesses in the area. It also gives our appearing traders, many of whom are local, the opportunity to raise their profile and reach new customers.”