Big flavours on the menu for Bishop Auckland Food Festival
The free weekend event promises celebrity chefs, street food, live entertainment and hands-on fun
Final preparations are underway for the return of the ever-popular Bishop Auckland Food Festival, with organisers promising a packed weekend of food, entertainment and family activities.
Taking place on April 18 and 19, the free event will once again welcome visitors from all over the North East and beyond - filling the town’s Market Place with more than 150 traders offering everything from street food and sweet treats to artisan produce from across the UK.
A major draw for visitors is always the Cookery Theatre, which regularly features a line-up of well-known TV chefs and food personalities.
Among those appearing across the 2026 weekend are Phil Vickery, Briony May Williams and 2025 Great British Bake Off finalist Aaron Mountford-Myles, with Chris Bavin hosting demonstrations and sharing tips with audiences.
Alongside the demonstrations, chocolatier Paul A Young will lead a series of bookable workshops, including Perfect Truffles Masterclasses and Adventures with Chocolate sessions.
The festival also places a strong emphasis on family-friendly activities. New for 2026 is the Cookery School, offering free hands-on sessions for children aged five to 11, delivered by County Durham-based Creative Kitchen.
Young visitors can also take part in arts and crafts activities, while The Auckland Project’s Artists’ Hub will host creative workshops throughout the weekend.
Live music and street performances will add to the atmosphere, with acts including Tyne Valley Big Band, Spennymoor Town Band and Rock Choir. Roaming performers such as Bread and Butter Theatre Company and Granny Tourismo will provide entertainment across the site.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “We really cannot wait now for Bishop Auckland Food Festival.
“There’s been a lot of work put into organisation as ever and the festival promises to be a fantastic day out for everyone.
“We have familiar faces from the world of TV cooking, food from over 150 traders as well as live music, roaming acts and arts and crafts.
“We look forward to seeing everyone from near and far and we hope businesses in the town benefit from the anticipated high visitor numbers in Bishop Auckland over the weekend.”
The festival runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, with organisers encouraging visitors to use public transport or the park and ride service due to expected high demand.
For full programme details, visit bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk