It’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival this weekend! An event which brings over 20,000 visitors to the small market town of Bishop Auckland. There is a wealth of foodie markets, workshops, talks, stalls and a comedy festival too- enough to keep foodies of all ages entertained. This year there is a newly added addition  – A Celebration of Holy Feasts organised by the  Revd. Eileen Harrop and the Holy Feasts team. Celebration of Holy Feasts will be held inside St Anne’s Church on Bishop Auckland Market Place during the whole of the Food Festival They are opening their doors to welcome everyone.

It will answer questions including: Why do we eat eggs at Easter? What is the Daniel diet? What are Carlings? What foods do other countries eat at Easter? Featuring all age story telling, crafts, prayer stations, competitions and numerous foodie displays to show the vast abundance and significance of foods and glorious feasts of the Bible and the Christian faith. Morrison’s, Tesco, and Marks and Spencers from Bishop Auckland have all generously donated and sponsored prizes for a children’s quiz based on the displays All displays have been kindly and richly provided by local retailers including Chittocks, M&M Bakers, Longstaff Bakers, Gregory’s, on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland; Elliot’s and Clarke’s eggs and Nicola’s Fruit and Vegetables stall on the Market Place;Auckland Cup Cake Company; Godfrey Butchers and Church Street Fruit and Vegetables in Shildon; Robineau café in Darlington; and Broom Mill breads.  Food brings everyone together creating community, friendship and companionship.

A large Fairtrade/Traidcraft stall will offer for sale foods and oils to highlight ‘Feeding the Hungry’ and ‘Stewardship of God’s world’, There will also be displays from Water Aid, Woodhouse Close Food Bank, and information about RefUSE a café providing pay as you feel meals from produce otherwise discarded and wasted. Singing the Faith-A community group will conclude the Holy Feasts celebration by leading Songs of Praise at 3.30pm on Sunday Celebration of Holy Feasts is open to everyone during the Food Festival and the team are hoping to make it a well loved part of Bishop Auckland Food Festival