FOOD lovers have another date to pencil into their diaries with the announcement of the date for the Saltburn Food Festival.

Organised by the team behind the seaside town’s monthly Farmer’s Market, the annual event attracts thousands of people to the day-long festival at the end of July.

As well as a busy street market, featuring more than 80 of the best independent food producers from the North-East and North Yorkshire, special guest chefs will put on live cookery shows.

This year, the chefs include award-winning Edinburgh restaurant owner Mark Greenaway from BBC2’s Great British Menu and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

Festival director Lorna Jackson said: “The Festival has been an incredible adventure. I hesitate to say it’s taken us by surprise, but it’s become everything we thought it could be and plenty more besides.

“It really transforms the street and the town centre where we live and work, and that’s exactly what we set out to do.”

Visitors can also enjoy a kitchen academy for children, world street food, outdoor dining and picnic areas, street theatre and a vintage bus park and ride scheme.

“The last three years have been incredible, and we’re looking to build again on the family festival buzz around the whole day - with some fantastic people, brilliant chefs and small independent food producers who all share our passion for good local food," she added.

“We’ll have more street food than ever, great tasting food cooked right there in front of you. And we’ll have some great street theatre this year too. Think of the vibrancy around London’s Covent Garden and you can’t go far wrong.

“And then there’s the town itself. We’re lucky to have beautiful natural surroundings, the beach, the pier, the Valley Gardens, and there’s also chance to discover the town’s array of fantastic independent shops and cafes."

Mark Greenaway added: “I’d heard about Saltburn on the grapevine and having seen the photos from the last couple of years, the place looks like it was absolutely buzzing.

“I love working with people who love good local food, and I jumped at the chance to be part of what is going to be an amazing day.”

The festival takes place on Sunday, July 31 between 10am to 4pm and admission is free. For further information and updates visit www.saltburnfarmersmarket.com