The full programme of events for a highly anticipated County Durham food festival has been revealed by organisers - here's what you can expect.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival organised by Durham County Council is back for 2024 with a whole host of tasty food options and activities for the whole family.

Taking place on April 20 and 21, the town is set to be transformed to showcase the best of local business and even host some celebrity chefs including BOSH! duo Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, Matt Tebbutt, Cyrus Todiwala, Meliz Berg, Marcus Bean, and Dan Hunter.

The Northern Echo: Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023.Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023. (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

The Saturday will kick-off with The Speakeasies including Bishop Auckland-based vocalist, Ruth Stapleton and professional street entertainer and Covent Garden regular, Richard Filby, and foot-stomping carnival band, Baque de Ogum.

The Speakeasies will then return for Sunday and be joined by the world’s largest contemporary choir, Rock Choir, and Mad Alice Theatre Company, with their ‘Save my Sandwich’ show.

On both days, regular festival favourites the North Tyneside Steel Band and Granny Turismo will be joined by stilt-walking duo, Bell & Bullock, and comedy chefs, Hugh Fearn and Lee Whittingstall, with their Liver Cottage mobile kitchen garden.

For the little ones, three puppet and shadow performances a day will be held at Pigeon and Pomegranate.

Workshops including crafting and painting will also take place, as well as family food-themed arts and crafts.

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Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “There are just over three weeks to go until Bishop Auckland Food Festival and alongside the food and drink stalls and the cookery demonstrations we’ve got a super programme of family entertainment lined up.

“There’ll be family photo opportunities and laughs aplenty, with free events and activities also taking place in gazebos and in the town hall theatre. We’ve also got a quality live music offer so we have all the ingredients for people to come and make a day, or a weekend, of it.

“We’re well on with event preparations now and we’ll soon have a confirmed list of traders to share.”