Yum-yum fits bill at festival of food
PICTURE SPEACIAL IN YOUR WEAR VALLEY MERCURY THIS WEEKMORE than 21,000 people from across the North of England visited the Wear Valley Food Festival last Saturday.
Visitors from as far a field as Sheffield, Doncaster and Manchester braved the cold weather to enjoy the many flavours of Wear Valley at the sixth festival held at Auckland Castle.
Organiser Sue Snowdon said: “Given the cold weather and grey skies it was huge success. “Our aim is to show people that Wear Valley is worth visiting, and to give them a taste of the many things, both culinary and otherwise that the area has to offer.
“What I was really pleased about was how well we all worked as a partnership to put on the event, and although we didn’t get as many people as last year’[s record 23,000, I think we can still be really proud of what we achieved. “I was heartened by the distances people had travelled, and the fact we got so much media coverage both in the press and from TV and radio just shows we are being recognised for our efforts.
“When we started five years ago, we only had 6,000 visitors, but that has obviously improved a lot as has the quality of attractions people can enjoy on the day. “Although we are really looking at showing off our local trades, it was fantastic to have displays from places like Japan as well which broadened the range of attractions on offer.”
Visitors were treat to a range of music and events throughout the day while they browsed more than 100 stalls. The Rowan Pipe Band greeted festival goers arriving in Bishop Auckland throughout the day and Stanhope Silver Band hosted two performances
Organist and pianist Adam Zair played in St Peter’s Chapel and the Throne Room while in the kitchen, Bishop Auckland College, Pampered Chef and Rushyford Game gave cookery demonstrations.
On the bowling green, Noodle Ninjas cooked up Japanese food and escapologist Rob Roy broke free from his shackles among other acts. There was also was a taster performance by Bishop Auckland Amateur Operatic Society.
Members of the drama group were dressed in full costume to promote their production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado, which takes to the stage at Bishop Auckland Town Hall tonight and tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets are £7.50. Contact Jean Wigington on 01388 602371 or visit the website at www.bishopoperatic.co.uk for details.
