While many people simply attend the Bishop Auckland Food Festival to sample the food and enjoy the social atmosphere, it was wonderful to see others engaging with the wide range of free activities on offer. These activities played an important role in promoting sustainability and encouraging people of all ages to reconnect with where their food comes from.
As well as being the sponsor of Children’s cookery classes whereby young people could attend to make their own pizzas, pasta pots and more. The Town Council also had ‘Plot to Plate Planting’ and can recycling station.
The Children’s cookery classes showcased simple skills, fresh ingredients, and traditional food knowledge, the festival highlighted the importance of self‑sufficiency and understanding non‑processed foods, helping to inspire future generations to make informed choices and reduce reliance on supermarkets. Cllr Lesley Zair, Chair of the Community Committee said: “Offering free children’s cookery classes at the Food Festival is about more than food – it’s about confidence, creativity and giving every child the chance to learn healthy skills in a fun and welcoming environment. Inspiring a love of cooking early helps build healthier, happier communities for the future. Over 150 children participated in the activities across the weekend.”
The Plot to Plate activity captured the attention of visitors of all ages. Over 170 seed potatoes seeds were planted over the weekend by visitors, the start of a shared growing journey that will continue over the coming months. Those who planted potatoes are encouraged to bring their grown produce back to the town for judging in late September at the Annual Harvest Festival – Horticulture Show & Heritage Fair taking place on Saturday 26th September 2026. The judging will celebrate effort, success, and more quirky categories such as funniest looking potato. The emphasis is on participation, learning and fun.
Commenting on the success of the potato planting, Cllr Michael Siddle, Chair of Allotment and Environment Committee: “Activities like this really tie our town events together and help open doors from one event to another. The potato‑planting activity, along with the can crush sparked a lot of enthusiasm. We have helped to recycle 300 number of cans, which in turn will support our local community and have planted over 170 seed potatoes is a fantastic result. We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone return with their potatoes in September and celebrating their cultivation efforts together.”
For more information about the Harvest Festival & Heritage Day, please keep an eye on local announcements and community channels as well as the Bishop Auckland Town Council website and social pages.
Other activities from organisations included food related hat making, a photography competition and a selfie station