Pictures of Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2022 - can you spot yourself?

THOUSANDS of people are packed into the streets of Bishop Auckland as the town’s annual food festival gets underway today (April 23).

The aroma of cuisine from around the globe filled the air as people savoured everything from “posh dogs” to pastries and ice cream cones to cupcakes.

Adding to the mix in the town’s is a variety of live entertainment, while people have been enjoying a live outdoor cookery theatre, with a procession of celebrity chefs sharing the secrets to their recipes.

The Northern Echo:

The morning has been blessed by glorious sunshine, with store owners and visitors alike praising the success of the event.

The weekend features the likes of chef and TV presenter John Whaite and Great British Bake Off favourite Crystelle Pereira.

Also on stage a professional chef Philli Armitage-Mattin and crowd favourite Chris Bavin - back to host the cookery theatre and introduce chefs on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Northern Echo:

John Whaite said: "I am impressed. This little market town in the north of England is incredible.

"There is so much architecture and culture and some cracking bakeries. I am going to be onstage with two demonstrations and them am going to wonder around and have a mooch.

"So thanks for having me Bishop Auckland."

Mike Bartley, MasterChef Contestant, from Bishop Auckland said: "It looks nice and bustling outside. I have been holed up in this kitchen so far.

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott Picture: Sarah Caldecott

"I'll be cooking for 50 people tonight in the town hall and then tomorrow I am going to be doing some cooking demonstrations.

"My food is about locally foraged produce. We have four courses tonight all containing produce foraged in and around Bishop Auckland."

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome back visitors and traders once again to Bishop Auckland for two whole days of fun, food and entertainment. This year we’re delighted to have returned to our regular spring date, kicking off the county’s festival season with an explosion of flavour.

The Northern Echo:

"Events like Bishop Auckland Food Festival are also a key part of County Durham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, demonstrating the power of culture to bring people together and enhance the vibrancy of our communities.

“We hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and I want to thank our traders and celebrity guests, the festival’s supporter and sponsors, and all the staff and volunteers for their hard work and efforts to make this weekend happen.”

Visitors can also look out for family entertainment taking place across the town, from street performances to opportunities to get involved in arts and crafts.

The Northern Echo: Bishop Auckland Food Festival Picture: Sarah Caldecott Bishop Auckland Food Festival Picture: Sarah Caldecott