A BBC Saturday Kitchen presenter, an award-winning chef and a food content creator will headline this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival’s Sunday cookery demonstration

The festival returns to the town on April 20 and 21, and will feature chefs Henry Firth, Ian Theasby, Marcus Bean, and Dan Hunter.

The lineup will also Saturday Kitchen presenter and award-winning restaurateur Matt Tebbett,

An estimated 28,000 visitors attended the festival last year.

The Northern Echo: Matt Tebbutt Credit: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

Mr Tebbett said: “I know this is a big date in the town’s calendar and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone in Bishop.

“I love being close enough to interact with people and see their faces and how they respond to what we’re up to on stage.

“It’s a little more relaxed than Saturday Kitchen, that’s for sure!

“I’m on stage with some amazing chefs so get yourself there – you’ll get plenty of cooking inspiration.”

The Northern Echo: Cyrus Todiwala Credit: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

He will share the spotlight with chef Cyrus Todiwala, who is a regular guest on BBC Saturday Kitchen and the James Martin Saturday Morning programme.

He founded his restaurant Café Spice Namaste in London in the 1990s – which remains the longest running Michelin BIB restaurant in the world.

Food content creator, bestselling author and presenter, Meliz Berg, will also join the pair.

Meliz, who has appeared on ITV This Morning and Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, alongside Todiwala and Tebbett, will demonstrate their delicious dishes on Sunday April 21.

The Northern Echo: Meliz Berg Credit: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

They will be joined by TV presenter Chris Bavin, who returns as host across both days, as well as Mike Bartley, who will offer a fine dining experience at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on April 20.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The cookery demonstrations are always a highlight and we’ve got another fantastic line-up of celebrity chef guests to look forward to.

“Having these well-known names and faces join us helps us pull in visitors from far and wide, which is great for the town. There’s lots more to look forward to, and we’ll be sharing full details of the traders, workshops and entertainment in the coming weeks.

“To make sure you don’t miss out on festival updates, stay tuned to the festival website or follow its social media feeds. We’re already looking forward to welcoming people once more.”

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The council have said details of all the food traders, family entertainment, and cookery workshops will be announced very soon.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival is supported by Bishop Auckland Town Council and Durham County Council’s Towns & Villages programme.

To find out more about Bishop Auckland Food Festival, click here.