The long-anticipated Bishop Auckland Food Festival is set to return this weekend – here is everything you need to know.

Market Square is set to be flooded with over 150 food stalls this weekend selling everything from curries, cheeses and crepes amongst other culinary delights.

The annual event saw 28,000 visitors attend last year and is urging those who come along this year to use public transport as well as park-and-ride services.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Festival weekend is upon us and we’re expecting yet another great turnout.

“The festival is always a favourite in our annual events calendar and it’s easy to see why – it brings people together to have fun and try some superb food and drink. It gives businesses a chance to get their products in front of new customers too.

“A huge amount of hard work goes into organising events like this and the many others we host. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everybody to Bishop Auckland for the festival and we’d love people to come and make a weekend of it.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the festival before it kicks off.

What time is it on?

The festival is on from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

What types of food will be available?

Organisers have promised everything from Sicilian to Sri Lankan cuisine as well as smash burgers, duck wraps, churros and pancakes.

Cheeses, jams, gin and even handmade dog treats are also available to buy.

A map for visitors has been released so you can locate your favourite stall.

How can I get there?

An accessible park-and-ride service shuttling visitors between Bishop Auckland College (DL14 6JZ) and the town centre will be in operation over the weekend.

Buses will run from 9.30am on Saturday and Sunday, with the last return bus running at 5.30pm on Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday.

Return tickets cost £2.50 for those aged 16 and over and 50p for children aged five to 15, while under fives travel free.

Town centre car parks will be open but may be busy and some town centre roads will be closed for the event.

Which celebrities will be there and when?

A whole host of exciting chefs are set to take the stage for culinary demonstrations throughout the day. Here's the full timetable.

Saturday

  • 10:30am and 1:30pm: Great British Bake Off Finalist Dan Hunter
  • 11:30am and 2:30pm: Vegan and plant based BOSH! Duo Henry Firth and Ian Theasby
  • 12:30pm and 3:30pm: ITV This Morning regular Marcus Bean

Sunday

  • 10:30am and 1:10pm: Chef, author and entrepreneur Cyrus Todiwala
  • 11:20am and 2pm: BBC Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt
  • 12:20pm and 3pm: Content creator and author Meliz Berg

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Which other activities are on?

As well as the wide variety of food stalls, the streets are set to be filled with live music, theatre and comedy.

The street entertainment line-up includes regular festival favourites, the North Tyneside Steel Band and Granny Turismo.

Family-friendly activities including craft workshops in gazebos and activities and performances within the grounds of Auckland Castle will also be taking place across the weekend.