Reactions of people to Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2022

Hundreds of traders set up shop across the town centre, sharing their goodies with visitors – from sensational street food and delicious desserts to artisan produce and locally-brewed beverages.

Here is a flavour of what some people thought.

Simon Barrett, the Chilli Jam Man

Simon Barrett the Chilli Jam Man said:"It has been fantastic. The crowds have turned out. I am based just outside York. It's great to travel about and to get my brand out.

"I have been to this festival five times. I always try to come to this one. I have post Covid chosen my favourite food festivals and I just focus on the really good ones now - and this is definitely on that list."

Geoffey Cawkwell of the Brownie Bar

Geoffrey Cawkwell of the Brownie Bar said: "It's the first time we have been here. The company has been before. We were told it would be a good one. It has been a slow start, but has picked up now. 

Read more: Pictures of Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2022 - can you spot yourself?

Carol Peacock of Parlour Made Cheese

Carol Peacock from Parlour Made Cheese in Mordon, near Sedgefield, said: "We are dairy farmers. We come every year. It is a fantastic event. It's a great way to showcase our local produce. 

The sun is out and people are out enjoying themselves. And the cheese is flying off the shelf. 

David Banks of the Cherry Tree

David Banks of the Cherry Tree said: "The day is fantastic. I think the good weather helps. The sunshine has been out. This will be the seventh year I have come. It is without a doubt one of the biggest food events."

Objoma Nwosu, of Wiga Wagaa, of Shotley Bridge said: "We have been doing a brilliant trade. I have got a range of chilli based products. I go to a of food festivals and this is one of the best I would say." 

Carina Nausner, of Durham Coffee Carina Nausner, of Durham Coffee, said: "It's been going well. The weather's really great and everybody is out. It's definitely busier than last year. This our second time here. It's nice to be back. There's a lot of people. Nice to meet new people and coffee lovers and show them our coffees."

The Hopgoods of Spennymoor

Arthur Hopgood of Whitworth Meadows, Spennymoor said: It's fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. It's the first time we are here. It can only benefit the town."

Wife, Linda added: "We have actually been living in Australia for 30 years and have not been long back. Bishop Auckland seems to have gone streets ahead since we left. I hope it continues and this is great for the town."

John Ramsay of Sunderland

John Ramsay of Sunderland said: "It's very well set out and a good choice and variety of stores. I have been to the festival a good few times. 

"It is a nice day and there are a lot of people here and it's very lively."

Ellie Moralee and Nick Wait of Billy Row

Ellie Moralee and Nick Waite of Billy Row, Crook, 

It is a really nice day out. We are just sat people watching and having an icecream. I think the main thing is trying to get the high street going again. 

Ellie Moralee said: "It's nice to see the town busy." 

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