Food lovers across the region are advised to mark their calendars.

One of the North East’s most popular food festivals will return in April next year.

The Bishop Auckland Food Festival will return on, Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 2025, Durham County Council have confirmed.

The two-day event regularly attracts thousands of visitors and will feature over 140 independent traders, offering a range of products including street food, cakes, locally brewed drinks, cheeses, chutneys, homeware, and pet treats.

Trader applications for the 2025 event are now open, with vendors encouraged to apply before the deadline of Friday 10 January 2025.

Businesses can submit details about their products and operations through the festival’s website.

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Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, noted that the festival provides significant opportunities for independent traders by allowing them to reach new customers and increase their visibility.

She said: “Festival season may have finished for the year, but here in County Durham we are already looking ahead and making exciting preparations for the return of Bishop Auckland Food Festival next year.”

“Being part of a festival such as this is a huge boost to independent traders. Not only do they benefit from increased trade from the thousands of visitors that attend across the weekend, but it also gives them the opportunity to meet new customers, build their client base, and get their name out there. We would encourage traders to mark Bishop Auckland Food Festival in their calendars and get their application in as soon as possible so they can be involved in this amazing opportunity.”

In addition to the food stalls, the festival will include live cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs and a schedule of family-friendly entertainment.

Further details, including the announcement of guest chefs, will be shared in the new year.