THERE is little wonder why thousands of people head to an annual food festival every year when you see what it has to offer.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2018 will stretch across the town’s market place in front of Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

With a vast range of street food traders and producers, open air bars with locally produced real ales and pop-up cafes there is plenty to whet the appetite.

Demonstrations from celebrity TV chefs, hands-on workshops for children and adults and live entertainment give festival hosts Durham County Council confidence that the event will offer two great days out for all the family.

The Bishop Auckland Food Festival, for which The Northern Echo is proud to be print media partner, gives a platform to local producers to grow their businesses.

It also means customers can reduce the food miles, packaging and hidden nasties in their food.

Such is the festival’s reputation, street food traders and producers from across the UK will also be there to sell their delicious treats.

Live music and attractions including a live Cookery Theatre, children’s entertainment and activities aim to create a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.

Durham County Councillor Ossie Johnson, cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, said: “We are delighted Bishop Auckland Food Festival is returning for a 13th year, and with more traders than ever before, we are confident it will be another successful weekend.

“Last year, 25,000 people visited the event and with our fantastic menu of celebrity chefs as well as some great foodie activities for all the family to get involved in, we would encourage everyone to come and enjoy a fun, free day out.”

This year, the council has created an outreach programme. Throughout this week some of the event’s special guests will give demonstrations on delicious, simple, healthy dishes at schools and leisure centres in the region and teach youngsters about the origins of their food.