A NORTH-EAST food festival that attracted thousands of visitors to its first event is set to return next year.

The Distinctly Delicious – Darlington Festival of Food took place over three days earlier this year, featuring local chefs, produce suppliers and chefs.

Following the success of the first event, organisers have announced that the food festival will return between May 8 and 10 with a new programme of foodie events and activities.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, which organises the event, said: “The first festival was such a hit that bringing it back for a second year was an easy decision to make.

“It was a massive success and many food producers commented that they sold out on each of the three days the event ran. People really got involved so hopefully next year's will be even bigger and better."

The 2015 festival will see the two day producers' market double in size to showcase the food products that Darlington and the surrounding area has to offer.

Distinctly Delicious Street Food will also be return alongside a producers' market and demonstrations from chefs from venues including Rockcliffe Hall and Houndgate Townhouse.

The festival will also include the second Distinctly Delicious Market Awards, product tastings and drop-in workshops and The Locomotion Cake Parade, with a new Hansel and Gretel-inspired theme.

There will also be some new additions to the 2015 festival such as the Distinctly Delicious Festival Supper, which will include food cooked by local chefs from local ingredients along with live music and local beer.

For more information visit distinctdarlington.co.uk or to take part in the festival contact Simon Preston at simon@graceonline.co.uk