Durham food festival aims for record turnout with ‘Dirty Vegan’ appearance

A Durham food festival has predicted that it will top last year’s 29,000 person draw following the announcement of a vegan TV chef’s attendance.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which will be held on April 18 and 19, announced that Matt Pritchard, who has starred in BBC’s ‘Dirty Vegan’ and released two vegan books, will be attending the festival.

The county council said that last year’s turnout of 29,000 boosted trade and local business earnings, and that it expects there to be a higher turnout this year due to the offering of vegan options.

Matt, who previously starred on MTV’s daredevil show Dirty Sanchez, commented’: “I’m totally fired up to be taking part in the Bishop Auckland Food Festival, to share my passion for amazing plant-based food that tastes fantastic.

“The whole Dirty Sanchez to Dirty Vegan journey has been amazing, and I can’t wait to share my story, meet as many vegan or vegan-curious people in County Durham as possible, and show how incredible this nourishing and energising food is to everyone.”

Councillor Joy Allen, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, added: “Last year, Bishop Auckland Food Festival attracted 29,000 people into the town, boosting the takings of traders and local businesses.

“The event aims to cater for all tastes, so I am delighted to see see so many traders offering imaginative vegan options this year.

“Hopefully, this will attract even more visitors and give people the opportunity to try something new.”