"It's Bishop at its best": Celebrity chefs and tasty treats delight crowds at food festival

Crowds gather in the marketplace at this weekend's Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

Almost 140 stalls lined the streets, with traders from County Durham and beyond selling everything from burgers and curries to cheeses and chutneys.

Famous chefs including MasterChef 2018 winner, Kenny Tutt, and bestselling cookery writer, Rachel Allen, wowed the crowds with outdoor cookery demonstrations.

And despite Saturday's wet weather, an estimated 28,000 people attended the two-day event, which we organise.

'Bishop at its best'

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Bishop is at its best when you see it like it's been this weekend - packed with visitors, traders and families all having a great time. That's the beauty of events, they really bring a place to life as well as attracting footfall for the local retailers and hospitality businesses that serve the town all year round.

"The weather was far from ideal on Saturday but we were delighted to see so many people turn out regardless. 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, and people have come and enjoyed themselves.

"We hope everyone has had a fantastic weekend. 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."

'Always a wonderful weekend'

The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Cllr Michael Siddle, added: "It's always a wonderful weekend, with traders from near and far, vibrant and unique street entertainment, and cookery demonstrations from famous faces.

"The air is filled with delightful smells, and the sound of chatter and laughter as people gather to reminisce with old friends they may meet, or the new ones they make. The festival really does have all the perfect ingredients! 

"Visitors get to see and experience the best of Bishop Auckland, from our bubbly and warm hospitality to our fabulous local traders and our wonderful visitor attractions. We hope everyone had a fantastic time and that they come back to see more."

The culture county

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 our 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 our Towns & Villages programme.