TRADERS from east Durham are preparing for a town's first food festival
Seaham Food Festival takes place on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 and will feature more than 100 stalls serving up dishes from all over the world.
Traders from east Durham are among those getting ready for the event, which it is hoped will draw people to Seaham.
Seaham confectioner David Richardson, of The Canny Candy Gadgies, said: "I have lived in Seaham all of my life and I can’t stress enough what a fantastic thing this is for the town. There hasn’t been anything like this here before.
“Seaham really is a town on the up, especially when it comes to food and drink. There are lots of new bistros and micro pubs opening, and the festival will add to this, promoting what we’ve got on offer and building our reputation as a food destination.”
Seaham sweet seller David Richardson, of The Canny Candy Gadgies
Castle Eden trader Christian Garcia-Miralles, who runs Spud Gun Loaded Fries, said: "Food festivals are so important for small businesses like mine.
“It gives us a chance to meet our customers and promote what we do to thousands of people. We have been travelling to festivals all over the country so to have one on our doorstep is a real bonus. I’m really looking forward to it.”
As well as food stalls, there will be live demonstrations by chefs including BBC Master Chef co-host John Torode on the Saturday and ITV This Morning’s Phil Vickery on the Sunday, live music and children's baking workshops.
Among the food available at the festival will be authentic Greek fare courtesy of Acropolis, South East Asian delights from Little Somboon Kitchen and healthy Indian cuisine from the Spicy Biker.
Cubanos, meanwhile, will bring the tastes of Latin America to the coast, and the Fat Hippo will tempt the crowds with mouth-watering burgers.
Churros Barcelona, Simply Cheese Cake and Bespoke Brownies will also be providing sweet treats.
Cllr Ossie Johnson, cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues at Durham County Council, which is funding the festival, said: “Seaham Food Festival looks set to be a fantastic day out for all of the family, but it is more than that.
"It is an opportunity to boost the local economy, raise Seaham’s profile and provide an outlet for small businesses from County Durham and beyond to showcase their products and reach new customers.
“The businesses mentioned are just a small handful of the artisan food producers and traders coming to the festival, so I would urge people to come along and see what’s on offer.”
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