SOME of the country’s top chefs are preparing to cook up a storm at this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival.
Set in the town’s historic market place, the festival has a packed programme full of live cookery demonstrations, culinary masterclasses and a variety of workshops for adults and children.
The two-day event, which will take place on Saturday April 21, and Sunday April 22, is being organised by Durham County Council and Channell Events.
It will see about 130 traders offering a diverse range of food and drink from across County Durham and beyond.
TV chef Phil Vickery will be sharing his passion for good food with visitors.
He will give advice on how to achieve a healthy, balanced diet during a demonstration in the Cookery Theatre, in the town hall, on Saturday.
He said: “I am really looking forward to cooking in front of the great people of Bishop Auckland. I love visiting the north east and haven’t had the opportunity to visit such a brilliant food loving part of the country for a long time so this should be extra special.”
Coronation Street actor turned chef Sean Wilson – best known for his role as Martin Platt – will be returning to the festival this year.
During his 13-year absence from the cobbles, he followed his passion into the world of food, creating the Saddleworth Cheese Company which produces multi-award winning Lancashire cheeses.
He will be giving a demonstration on Sunday.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be heading back to Bishop Auckland Food Festival.
“I have very fond memories of my last visit and look forward to making new ones this April. It will be great to see everyone there.”
Another two of Britain’s finest chefs also bringing their culinary delights to the table are Jack Stein and Dan Doherty.
Having followed in his famous father Rick’s footsteps, Jack Stein is the chef director for the Stein family’s 12 restaurants and will be sharing his skills on the Saturday.
Following him into the kitchen on Sunday will be Mr Doherty, the recently announced judge alongside Mary Berry and Chris Bavin on BBC’s Britain’s Best Cook.
Winner of the 2016 Great British Bake Off, Candice Brown, and runner-up Jane Beedle will also be showcasing their talents.
In the days leading up to the event, the festival’s outreach programme will see celebrity chefs Chris Bavin and Anjula Devi visit schools to share messages on healthy eating.
Durham County Council’s cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, Cllr Ossie Johnson, said: “As well as boosting our economy, the festival gives local people the chance to showcase their produce and with the exciting line up this year we are confident the crowds will turn out in force once again.”
To book tickets for demonstrations visit www.bishop aucklandfoodfestival.co.uk.
Free-to-attend demonstrations will also take place.
