ORGANISERS of one of the region’s most popular food festivals have expressed their delight after more than 38,000 people attended the two day-event.

Food lovers of all ages attended Bishop Auckland Food Festival over the weekend, sampling home-grown and handmade produce from County Durham and the wider region.

Held in the Market Place, Town Hall and grounds of Auckland Castle, the event featured 150 food, drink and craft stalls, live cookery demonstrations, food and drink masterclasses, a pop-up restaurant, kids’ club and street entertainment.

It was organised by Durham County Council in partnership with the Auckland Castle Trust and Bishop Auckland Town Council.

Stephen Howell, Durham County Council’s head of culture and sport, said: “We’re extremely pleased with how well this year’s event has gone.

“We had an excellent turnout and great feedback from visitors, stallholders and our celebrity chefs.

“Many of the stallholders said their sales exceeded expectations. The pop-up restaurant served 800 covers over the two days, our indoor cooking demonstrations were at capacity and the majority of our masterclasses were fully booked.”

The festival also saw demonstrations and entertainment from well known cookery personalities including Great British Bake Off favourites Glenn Cosby, Kimberley Wilson and Cat Dresser, Sunday Brunch presenter Simon Rimmer and Ivor Peters, also known as the Urban Rajah.

Festival visitors are invited to give their feedback on the event by visiting bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk