New food market events are set to be held in multiple County Durham towns later this year, organisers have announced - here's all you need to know.

The organisers behind Bishop Auckland's Street Food Market which drew thousands of visitors to the town in 2023 have announced they are expanding their events across the county this year.

So far, Bishop Auckland, Aycliffe and Crook have been confirmed to be holding the "vibrant" markets in April, and negotiations are underway for more locations including Shildon and Barnard Castle.

Town centres, car parks and market squares are set to be transformed into "culinary showcases" according to the plans which will focus on local business in a bid to make the county the food capital of the UK.

Thomas Wales from co-organiser Baccanalia said: "The Bishop Auckland Street Food Market exemplifies a community united to celebrate and showcase the diversity of food offerings and talent in the North East.

"As we embrace 2024, Baccanalia will have orchestrated over 50,000 visits to the Town Centre, a testament to our commitment to support local food producers, businesses, and artists.

"We eagerly extend this success to everyone who joins us in celebrating Bishop Auckland and County Durham as number one food destinations in the UK."

Ben Tinkler from Bridge Creative added: "We're so excited to bring our Street Food Market back to Bishop Auckland again this year.

"I think everyone in the local community is ready for a jam-packed evening of culinary delights and fun entertainment.

"The event also allows us to support adults with learning disabilities and autism to gain work experience. It’s an all-round winner!"


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Here are the details for the upcoming markets:

Bishop Auckland

Dates: 4pm until 9pm, Friday 29th March, then the last Friday of each month

Location: Bishop Auckland, Market Place

Crook

Dates: 4pm until 9pm, Friday 5th April, then the first Friday of each month

Location: Crook Market Place, South Street

Aycliffe

Dates: 4pm until 9pm, Friday 19th April, then the third Friday of each month

Location: Aycliffe Town Centre, Beveridge Way, DL5 4DS