Seaham prepares for weekend to savour

A County Durham coastal town is preparing for one of the region’s biggest food festivals, with thousands expected to visit this weekend.

Seaham Food Festival returns on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August, bringing more than 100 traders, top chefs, live entertainment and street food to the town’s bustling seafront.

Organised by Durham County Council, the free two-day event will feature open-air cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs including social media stars Dean Edwards and Chris Baber, MasterChef Champion of Champions Ping Coombes and reigning Great British Bake Off champion Georgie Grasso.

Master chocolatier Paul A Young and food presenter Chris Bavin are also set to appear.

From loaded fries and artisan bakes to gourmet burgers and global flavours, the event will serve up a broad menu of sweet and savoury street food. 

Visitors can also shop for spices, condiments and ingredients from some of the region’s best independent producers.

With large crowds expected, organisers are urging festivalgoers to plan ahead. 

Councillor Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Seaham Food Festival is fast approaching, and we’re all set for two days of fantastic food and entertainment. 

“As well as boosting the economy by attracting thousands of visitors into County Durham, events like this create a sense of togetherness and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying themselves over the weekend.

“We are expecting the event to be busy and so we are reminding people to plan their travel arrangements in advance, so they can enjoy the festivities to the full.”

A park and ride service will run from Spectrum Business Park (SR7 7TT) and a second site at Seaham Car Boot Sale (SR7 7AG), with accessible buses operating from Spectrum.

Return tickets cost £2.50 for adults and 50p for children aged five to 15. Under-fives ride free. 

Town centre car parks will be open, but they are expected to be busy, with visitors being advised to use the park and ride service or public transport where possible, especially with road closures in place across the weekend.

A full list of road closures and traffic information is available at www.durham.gov.uk/SeahamFoodFestivalTravel.

To stay up to date with the latest festival news, visit www.seahamfoodfestival.co.uk or follow SeahamFoodFest on Facebook and Instagram.

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