Bishop Auckland Food Festival to return in 2011

Durham County Council now responsible for annual food festival

Bishop Auckland’s popular food festival will return next year after a new organiser stepped in.

The food festival launched in 2004 as the Wear Valley Food Festival under the management of Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum.

Now Durham County Council has agreed to take over responsibility for its management and development in 2011.

Rosemary Laxton, Durham County Council’s head of libraries, learning and culture, said: “The food festival has grown into one of the most popular events in the region under the guidance of the Town Centre Forum, who have done an excellent job during the past six years.

“We are very pleased to be able to get involved in next year’s event, which we hope will once again prove a great success.”

Up until last year, a team of volunteers from the Town Centre Forum had been responsible for arranging all aspects of the food festival.

Sue Snowdon, Town Centre Forum, said: “The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is a very special event and I am delighted that its continuation next year has been secured by Durham County Council, which has taken over responsibility for managing and developing it.

“County Durham and the wider region are home to some of the best food and drink producers, manufacturers and crafters in the UK.

“The festival gives them the opportunity to showcase their products but also brings economic benefits to the town.”