The town’s famous food festival will return next year after a new organiser has stepped in.
Bishop Auckland Food Festival was launched in 2004 and has become extremely successful under the management of the local 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 2009, a small team of volunteers from the Town Centre Forum had been responsible for arranging all aspects of the food festival.
After that year’s event crowds of up to 30,000, the committee turned to the county council for support in organising its follow-up. The authority worked with the volunteers in 2010 but has now agreed to take over full responsibility for the organisation of next year’s festival, which will take place on 16th April.
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.”
Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said, “The food festival has grown dramatically since it began six years ago, with a full day’s entertainment now laid on alongside the food stalls.
“All of this helps attract visitors and brings in more money, which has a huge impact not just on the economy of Bishop Auckland, but on the wider county as well.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
