John Whaite among the stars at Seaham Food Festival

Thousands of people visited the event over the weekend to support independent traders, boost business recovery and enjoy outdoor theatre, music and taster activities.

As the council bids to become UK City of Culture 2025, Seaham Food Festival is one of a number of events helping to showcase the county’s cultural offer as well as building on the county’s reputation for culinary excellence.

Seaham Food Festival Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

On Saturday, celebrity chef John Whaite made his final public appearance before he makes history dancing in Strictly Come Dancing’s first male same-sex couple.

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And it was a first live event for Masterchef contestant Mike Bartley, from Bishop Auckland, who gave demonstrations on both days.

The dad-of-two cooked meadowsweet panna cotta with wild cherries and Amaretti biscuits and cod loin scampi with wild garlic tartare sauce and pickled fennel.

Seaham Food Festival Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

He said: “It was great to be involved and exactly what I wanted as a result of Masterchef. People seem really interested in foraging, a hobby I got into with my son during lockdown, and everyone at the festival was really supportive."

Seaham Food Festival Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

TV presenter Chris Bavin, who was part of the event, said: “I have had a brilliant time; I love the festival and love the people. It has been fantastic to see so many people coming together to find out more about food and engage with local traders. And, what better place to do that than in Seaham with such a stunning backdrop.”

The Great British Bake Off star Karen Wright said: “I have enjoyed the whole weekend here in Seaham and what an experience to come to County Durham. The highlight of the weekend was the warm welcome I received from the audience and their participation during my demonstrations.”

Traders and town centre businesses thanked the community for its support following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Melanie Wood, of The Lamp Room in Seaham, said: “It has been a fantastic weekend and we are really delighted that the festival has been able to go ahead. There has been a brilliant atmosphere and the boost to business has been incredibly welcome after the challenges of the previous 18 months.

“Even more importantly, the festival is a great way to highlight all that Seaham has to offer. We have a beautiful marina and seafront and so many independent traders in the town and we look forward to welcoming visitors back soon for a return visit.”

Tom Moorhead and Ami Bell enjoys some breakfast

Robin Byers, service manager in the council’s culture team, said: “It’s been really good. We weren’t sure how it would go given the last 18 months but were absolutely bowled over with the response.

“Everybody seemed to be having a great time.

“The hospitality and food industry had it really hard and unfortunately some regular traders didn’t survive.

“But those traders that did really well to keep going through the pandemic and were able to have stalls had an amazing weekend, many sold out and had to go back on Saturday and start baking extra produce for the Sunday which was a wonderful surprise for some.

“The demonstrations were a big hit, Rosemary Shrager is always fantastic, people loved seeing John Whaite before Strictly and Mike Bartley did really well and the audience loved him so it was good to give him this platform.

“This year we included lots of family entertainment with theatre, street performance and crafts which the crowds really seemed to like.”

Seaham Food Festival Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

Following the pandemic, organisers put a number of measures in place across the weekend to support public safety and help all those involved feel more confident.

Councillor Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, said: “I am thrilled that the return of Seaham Food Festival has proved such a success this weekend, with the local community making the most of all that the town has to offer.

“The event has helped to support traders from across the county, and beyond, as well as providing a welcome boost to local businesses. After a challenging 18 months, it is fantastic to see businesses getting back on track and to see communities coming together once again.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in making this weekend happen. A lot of hard work has gone into organising the weekend and ensuring its success and we are all so grateful for everyone’s efforts.”

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