Celebrity chef Phil Vickery will headline this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival in a "star-studded" weekend of culinary entertainment, it has been announced.
The two-day event returns this spring on Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 April, featuring a packed programme of chef demonstrations, food stalls, and entertainment in the heart of Bishop Auckland.
Mr Vickery, best known for his long-standing role as chef on ITV’s This Morning, last appeared at the festival in 2023 and will be joined by a host of familiar TV faces.
Cllr Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration, and high street at Durham County Council, said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming Phil Vickery back for April’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival.
"Phil has shared his expertise with This Morning viewers for many years and it’s great to have him back at Bishop Auckland.
"We’re also delighted to welcome back Chris as host, and to have Shivi and Aaron as part of our line-up.
"All four will be offering some fascinating insights into their skills that festival-goers really shouldn’t miss."
This year’s line-up also includes Shivi Ramoutar, Chris Bavin, and Aaron Mountford-Myles.
Ms Ramoutar has appeared on Saturday Kitchen.
Mr Bavin will return as host for both days, bringing his enthusiasm and charm to the stage.
He is a presenter on BBC One's Eat Well for Less? and a familiar face from shows including Tomorrow’s Food, The Truth about Meat, and Food: Truth or Scare.
Mr Mountford-Myles reached the final of Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off last year and has since gained a national following.
All three chefs will deliver live cookery demonstrations on Saturday, with the Sunday line-up to be announced soon.
Cllr Allison said: "We’ll also have an impressive choice of food from around the world and closer to home for people to try and we look forward to welcoming them to Bishop Auckland to enjoy the festival with us.
"We’re really pleased to once again be organising an event with plenty for people to do for free, as we fully appreciate that money is tight for many these days.
"We also hope that local businesses and our economy once again benefit from increased footfall, as we welcome people to our fabulous county over the weekend."
Fans of chocolate will also be in for a treat with chocolate workshops from Paul A. Young.
Mr Young, a celebrated chocolatier, will run hour-long sessions on both days, including Perfect Truffles Masterclasses and Adventures with Chocolate.
Spaces for these workshops must be booked in advance via the festival website.
Phil Vickery has appeared on This Morning for 26 years and has had two series of his own on ITV, including Phil Vickery’s Pudding Club and Save Money: Good Diet.
He has also appeared on BBC’s Holiday, Ready Steady Cook, and Proof of the Pudding.
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In addition to his TV work, Mr Vickery is a prolific author, having written 19 award-winning cookbooks.
Full details of the festival programme, including timings and booking information, are available at the Bishop Auckland Food Festival website.
Further announcements about the Sunday chef line-up are expected soon.
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