DURHAM Markets is inviting food and drink producers from across the region to join a special market in celebration of St Cuthbert’s Day.

The St Cuthbert’s Day Market on Saturday March 21 will transform the cloisters of Durham Cathedral with up to 24 specialist suppliers, enabling visitors not only to enjoy the cathedral and the day’s special events, but also to take away with them a “taste” of the region.

Several producers are already involved, including Simon Raine who will be bringing his Weardale Cheese to the market.

He said: “The setting in the Cathedral cloisters is really special, to have a chance to have a stall here is fabulous.

“I see the day as a celebration of our part of the world, and this market celebrates our region’s food and drink production. It’s one I always want to be a part of.

“You meet a truly international range of customers. You will get all nationalities passing by, so you don’t know if the next customer is from Consett or Canada.”

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets Company, which is organising the St Cuthbert’s Day Market, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing this market back to the cloisters of Durham Cathedral again this year.

“The day’s events always bring plenty of people into the city and particularly to the cathedral, and the setting for the market, in the cloisters, is particularly beautiful.

“We’re hoping to attract both new and established food and drink producers to this one-off market.”

There are a number of events being planned for the day, the highlight of which will be the St Cuthbert Day Walk from Chester-le-Street to Durham, symbolic of the ancient journey of St Cuthbert to his final resting place in the Cathedral.

Details of further events, including cathedral tours and storytelling, will be announced closer to the time.

Food and drink producers from across the region are invited to email james@durhammarkets.co.uk. There is no availability for suppliers of hot take away food.