THOUSANDS of people converged on Bishop Auckland at the weekend for the town’s annual food festival, with record sales reported.

The aroma of cuisine from around the globe filled the air as people savoured everything from “posh dogs” to pastries and ice cream cones to cupcakes.

Adding to the mix in the town’s Market Place in front of Bishop Auckland Town Hall, was a variety of live entertainment, while up to 900 people packed into the Live Cookery Theatre to see a procession of celebrity chefs sharing the secrets to their recipes.

More than 18,000 people, blessed by glorious sunshine, attended yesterday, while the change in weather today did not cool enthusiasm for the event, with a further 9,000 visitors coming.

Jack Stein, chef director for Rick Stein restaurants, said: “I’m loving it. The weather is amazing and the people are great.

"The festival is massive. It's ten times bigger than anything we've got in Cornwall. We need to up our game.”

Great British Bake Off finalist Jane Beadle said: “I have done a children’s class, making chocolate star bread, which went really well, and then focaccia class with adults. And on the main stage have made an absolutely enormous strawberry cake.”

Among the stall holders enjoying brisk trade was John Moore of Yorkshire Hot Dog. He said: “It’s going really well. We have done this for three or four years now. This is by far the busiest year. The weather always helps.

“What is really good is they never charge people to come to the event. And they always have good food stalls with a lot to offer.”

Kirstine Walton, co-owner of The Velveteen Rabbit Luncheon Club, said: “It’s our first time here.

“We have had record sales and the team at the festival have been the easiest we have ever worked with. We really hope to be back next year.”

Luke Christian of Lakeland Mues, selling toasted artisan muesli, said: “It’s been superb. Lots of great people. |I have met customers from previous years and new customers.”

Weardale Cheese owner Simon Raine said: “It has been fantastic. It’s been a wonderful time with wonderful people in my home town.

“We’ve also enjoyed record sales for the business. It’s great to have the festival here in Bishop Auckland. It gives the place a great lift.”

Durham County Council leader Simon Hening said: "Bishop Auckland Food Festival has a great reputation and this year has more than lived up to it.

"The event brings vital income into our region, boosting sales for all the traders involved, as well as for local businesses in the area.

"We are delighted that so many people have visited over the weekend to enjoy the food and soak up the wonderful atmosphere."

Bishop Auckland Food Festival producer Bev Channell said: “We are absolutely delighted with the way the festival has gone.

“On Saturday the sun came out and everyone did as well. It was a fantastic day after being in the doom and gloom of winter.

“Sunday started a bit gloomy, but the crowds were not put off by the weather.

“We have got whole lot of local traders here and they have been telling us they had an incredible weekend.

“Visitors have come from throughout the region to enjoy it. They love it and what it brings to the town centre.”