A popular food festival will return to Northallerton 12 years after running its first event in the town.

Organisers have confirmed that The Homegrown Food Festival is back for 2024 with an action-packed event for all ages taking place in the Applegarth area of Northallerton on Sunday, June 23.

The theme this year is ‘Flowing together for cleaner water’ to shine a spotlight on the importance of clean, fresh water and some of the threats we face to our waterways and water supplies.

The 2023 edition of the event attracted 8000 visitorsThe 2023 edition of the event attracted 8000 visitors (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The Homegrown Food Festival was founded in 2012 after a small group of friends came together to plan a family-friendly, community event which showcases local produce and producers.

One of the aims is to encourage people to grow their own items as well as support the food and drink produce that’s available right on our doorstep.

In 2023, the event attracted over 8,000 visitors and is set to be even bigger and better this year.

For those wanting to be inspired by the professionals, a range of cookery demonstrations with local chefs will take place.

The event is about promoting local produce and encouraging people to grow their own foodThe event is about promoting local produce and encouraging people to grow their own food (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The food theatre will be presented by Cara Houchen from Take a Bite Media who has worked with and interviewed some of the biggest names in the chef world so she will be ready to ask those burning questions and inspire amateur foodies.

A dedicated ‘Kidzone’ will be situated in Applegarth Park and will include events from Pure Wellbeing Arts, Sylvan Lore and Aquatic Finatic.

Kids Kitchen is teaming up with Kiddy Cook with an inspiring line-up of fun and tasty things for children, aged four and above, to make and take away.

People attending the 2023 eventPeople attending the 2023 event (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Creating a lively party atmosphere, the popular music stage is back along with the Tipple Tent serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

This bar will be run by Cameron Smith with Bone Machine Brewery, and for the first time ever, Northallerton-based, Bayonet Brewing.

Visitors can relax whilst listening to bands and musicians from the area with the festival stage being hosted by local musician, Alex Cromarty, who will also be performing with his band Stax during the event.

Following a successful partnership last year, the Incredible Edible Garden makes a welcome return.

This aims to model sustainable, wildlife-friendly planting, composting, water harvesting, recycling and repurposing where possible. There will be advice, information and more engaging activities for children to enjoy.

Yorkshire Water and the Rotters are also attending to promote water conservation and composting. 

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One of the founders of the festival, Sally Anderson, said: “Our committee has worked hard to create such a popular and hotly anticipated community event.

"The organising team are all volunteers, and we are looking for even more people to get involved and help make this year an even bigger success.

"Our volunteers come back year after year and have a great time whilst knowing they are making a difference to the community and environment.

"We are always looking for new volunteers to help visitors have a safe and enjoyable day. Roles include working with the chefs, welcoming and informing visitors, litter picking and site set up and clear away. As it’s National Volunteer Week, it’s an ideal time to sign up.”