The fourth Saltburn Food Festival finds a booking for TV chef Mark Greenaway

A relaxing family holiday to the historic French wine region of Bergerac on the North Bank of the Dordogne sparked an idea that would go on to tickle the tastebuds of thousands of visitors and passionate foodies at Saltburn Food Festival.

The fourth annual event on Sunday (July 31) again sees the town’s Milton Street transformed into a marketplace for a day packed full of appeal for all the family. This celebration of good local food ensures that more than 80 of the best independent food producers from the North-East and North Yorkshire have a chance to shine.

This year's guest chefs include award-winning Edinburgh restaurant owner Mark Greenaway, from BBC2’s Great British Menu and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, who will be giving tastebuds a treat at the Live Cookery Theatre.

Greenaway's Edinburgh restaurant has racked up the plaudits since opening in 2011, and if life wasn’t hectic enough, his debut cookbook Perceptions – Recipes from Restaurant Mark Greenaway was published earlier this month.

Now, he’s set to top a busy month by cooking up something special at Saltburn Food Festival on Sunday 31 July.

“It’s certainly a busy old time at the moment,” says Mark. “The restaurant is flying, the book is something I’m really proud of, and Saltburn sounds like it’s going to be great way to end a fantastic month.”

He feels his book sets out his philosophy as a chef. “It tells the stories of my journey, the food, people and places that inspire and continue to motivate me even today. It features some of the many world-class suppliers here on my own doorstep who I’ve been lucky enough to build great relationships with over the years, and I’ve included over 250 modern recipes using the latest techniques and culinary innovations."

Foodies can also enjoy a Family Kitchen for children, world street food, veggie and vegan specials, outdoor dining and picnic areas, street theatre, and much more besides.

There’s also a festival Fringe including a Beer Festival at Saltburn House, Wine Tasting at The Spa Hotel, and Festival cocktails at Brockley Hall.

Nostalgia fans can board the Whitby Vintage Bus, on hand to carry passengers into the heart of town as part of the festival’s park and ride scheme, and extra buses are also running to and from the town for those who simply fancy giving the car a day off.

Festival director Lorna Jackson is co-director of Saltburn’s family-run Real Meals Deli & Bistro, and also manages the town’s popular monthly Farmers’ Market – now celebrating eight years after making its debut during a freak Easter blizzard in 2008 – and shortlisted as National Farmer’s Market of the Year in 2014.

Describing the origins of the festival, Lorna says: “I was on holiday in France, sitting at a busy night market with my family, and enjoying good local food right there on the street. And there was just an amazing sense of togetherness around the whole place. There was something really appealing about simply enjoying your surroundings with friends and family – basically reclaiming the streets for the whole community to enjoy.

“I thought there was nothing they were doing in France that we couldn’t do in towns and villages in this country. Our Farmers’ Market was already working well, and still has a real buzz around it today, so I decided to have a go at trying a Food Festival here in Saltburn too.”

And, four years later, the event is now an important part of town life.

“The festival has been an incredible adventure,” says Lorna. “I hesitate to say it’s taken us by surprise, but it’s become everything we thought it could be and plenty more besides. It really transforms the street and the town centre where we live and work, and that’s exactly what we set out to do.”

Looking forward to a busy day, she adds: “The past three years have been incredible, and we’re looking to build again on the family festival buzz around the whole day – with some fantastic people, brilliant chefs and small independent food producers who all share our passion for good local food. We’ll have more street food than ever, great tasting food cooked right there in front of you. And we’ll have some great street theatre this year too. Think of the vibrancy around London’s Covent Garden and you can’t go far wrong.

“And then there’s the town itself. We’re lucky to have beautiful natural surroundings, the beach, the pier, the Valley Gardens, and there’s also chance to discover the town’s array of fantastic independent shops and cafes. It all adds up to a great day out – all sparked by a love of good local food and a fantastic holiday in France.”

  • Saltburn Food Festival: 10am-4pm. Free Admission. For further information and updates go to saltburnfoodfestival.co.uk