Industry News

Thousands of people flocked to Seaham this weekend for two fun-packed days of great food, cookery demonstrations and live entertainment.

Once again, Seaham Food Festival proved popular with food lovers of all ages, who travelled from across the region and beyond to join in the fun,

From the finest regional produce to scrumptious sweet treats and exotic street food from around the world – The Durham County Council event featured more than 120 traders, many of which sold out on both days.

There was no shortage of inspiration on offer too, with the outdoor cookery theatre featuring a full programme of demonstrations from well-known chefs hosted by festival favourite Chris Bavin.

On Saturday, Chris was joined by Chris Baber and Dean Edwards, who impressed festivalgoers with their colourful, fuss-free recipes. Channel 4 Great British Bake Off contestant and viewers’ favourite Nelly Ghaffar, meanwhile, won over the crowds with her beautiful baking and sense of humour.

Sunday saw another Great British Bake Off star take to the stage, 2024 winner Georgie Grasso, whose delicious soda bread and strawberry and lemon cake certainly had mouths watering. World-renowned chocolatier Paul A Young had a similar effect on the audience, with his indulgent offerings, while MasterChef Champion of Champions Ping Coombes showcased her much-loved blend of Malaysian cuisine with a modern twist.

Across both days, festivalgoers also enjoyed a wide variety of free entertainment – ranging from outdoor theatre, live music and comedy to a street circus performer, craft activities and a chance to get up close to a life-sized cast of a T. Rex skull.  

Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “It’s been a brilliant weekend, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces as I walked around the festival site.

“Events such as Seaham Food Festival bring people together and create opportunities for residents to make memories and experience world-class culture on their doorsteps.

“However, our festivals are about more than simply providing great entertainment. This weekend, Seaham has welcomed thousands of additional visitors, which has not only benefited the traders at the event but local businesses too. Furthermore, it has helped to raise the profile of Seaham and County Durham, which will encourage people to return throughout the year and help to grow our economy even more.”

Trader Lydia Dunn, of Bites Baking Company, said: “It’s my second time at Seaham Food Festival so I’m still quite new to it, but it’s been amazing. I’ve pretty much sold out so I couldn’t ask for more.

“It’s also really helped to raise our profile – we’ve had a lot of new social media followers over the weekend, which is fantastic.”

Leanne Gray, from Coxhoe, attended the festival with her family, and was especially impressed by the children’s activities on offer.

“We’ve been for the last three years, and it’s always great fun,” she said. “There has been a lot more activities for families this year, which we have really enjoyed. The food has been brilliant too.”

Durham County Council has been sharing photographs from the event on the Seaham Food Festival social media channels. Search for SeahamFoodFest on Facebook and Instagram.