THOUSANDS of people flocked to Auckland Castle to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

The two-day event on Saturday and Sunday involves more than 150 producers and traders showcasing their treats and features everything from a barbecue to chocolate, with masterclasses for both adults and children and a range of craft beers, wines and spirits.

The Northern Echo:

Organisers tonight confirmed that 18,000 people visited the festival on Saturday.

To see a gallery of photographs click here

The festival’s pop-up restaurant, sponsored by Sainsbury’s and Bishop Auckland College, is back and is being run by author and chef the "Urban Rajah”.

Visitors are able to get more hands on than ever before with masterclasses in charcuterie making, cheese tasting, chocolate making, knife skills, wine tasting or gin making.

The Northern Echo:

For the children there is pizza-making, fun with the Whalley Range All-Stars Pig theatre, The Vegetable Nannies and The Liver Cottage Kitchen.

The Northern Echo: