From melodic music, street bands, to grannies on wheels, the streets of Bishop Auckland are set to come alive with entertainment during one of the region’s biggest food festivals.
Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns to the town centre on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April, offering two days of fun, food, and family entertainment.
There will be over 140 traders selling delicious food and goodies, as well as cookery demonstrations from a line up of celebrity chefs including Simon Rimmer, Jane’s Patisserie, Brin Piranthapan, Cherish Finden, Paul Young and Francesco Mattana.
While visitors peruse the produce on offer or get a bit of cookery inspiration, there will also be a host of street entertainment, from musicians to comedy performers.
There will be several walkabout performers including festival favourite Granny Turismo, a two-person comedy act featuring two delightful grandmothers and their speedy shopping trolleys.
Festival-goers will spot another walkabout act, The Lollipop Ladies. Fluorescent and effervescent, the 64th emergency service, the Lollipop Ladies are here to help, and hinder.
Ready to entertain visitors will be more acts familiar to the food festival, including flame-juggling circus street performer Stanley Youngman; the mesmerising bubble master Bubble Play; and Bell & Bullock as Captain Monty Montague and his water-skiing wife Minty.
There will also be an accompaniment of musical performers, including award-winning singer and songwriter Steve Pledger who will be performing a selection of original songs, together with well-known covers, all presented with Steve’s passionate delivery.
Citizen Songwriters’ Sam Slatcher and Alex Summerson will be sharing original songs about County Durham, drawing from their time running community songwriting projects. From stories of seeking sanctuary, to tales from the rails.
Also appearing is the North Tyneside Steel Band, one of the oldest bands in the North East which performs right across the region and beyond.
And performing in the grounds of Auckland Palace will be the Rock Choir singing a mix of pop and contemporary songs.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “With just over five weeks to go, we can’t wait to welcome visitors back to Bishop Auckland for a fun-filled weekend.
“With lots of food to try and cooking demonstrations from some of the nation’s most popular chefs, our programme of street entertainment is the icing on the festival’s cake, bringing an energy which adds to the lively and exciting atmosphere.
“Many of our entertainers this year are well-known and very popular with visitors, so I’m sure many will be excited to see the return of their favourite performers.”
To keep updated on all the latest Bishop Auckland Food Festival news visit the event’s website www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk and follow its social media channels.
