Discover Food and Drink Across the Culture County

Experience Durham’s vibrant food and drink scene through a wide range of culinary events that celebrate the county’s rich gastronomy. From large scale food festivals and artisan markets to wine tastings, craft beer events and culinary tours, these experiences showcase a taste of Durham, and we've picked a few to highlight below:

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

Durham County Council’s popular food festival returns to Bishop Auckland on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, offering a weekend of street food, desserts and family entertainment. Over 140 independent traders will be selling a wide range of food and drink, from burgers and baked goods to jams, breads, coffee, teas and local ales.

The festival features live celebrity chef demonstrations across both days. Saturday’s line‑up includes Phil Vickery, Shivi Ramoutar and Great British Bake Off finalist Aaron Mountford‑Myles, hosted by Chris Bavin. Sunday welcomes Bake Off champion Jasmine Mitchell, Briony May Williams, and Dragons’ Den success story Lumberjaxe. Visitors can enjoy great food, drink and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market

The Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Market attract producers from across the North East, showcasing locally-produced food, condiments and drink, as well as hand-crafted items, gifts, homewares, clothing, plants and flowers, artwork and photography. Durham’s Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Market takes place in the market place in Durham City on the first Thursday of each month.

Durham Food Tour

Discover Durham’s culinary scene and vibrant atmosphere on a Triple A Food Tour. The experience offers the chance to sample the best local, organic and sustainable food. The tour offers plenty to get your taste buds tingling, from a visit to the local indoor market, to a Michelin Guide restaurant, as a friendly team guide you through a walking tour of the historic city.

Seaham Food Festival

Seaham Food Festival will take place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, bringing two full days of flavour, fun and seaside celebrations to the Durham coast.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Seaham’s coastline, the much‑loved festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, combining great food with a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of sun, sea and entertainment, making it the perfect summer weekend outing for all ages.

The event will feature more than 120 traders, showcasing the very best in street food, artisan produce and local beverages.  A major highlight of the festival is its popular cookery theatre, which hosts a packed programme of live cookery demonstrations across the weekend.

Chester‑le‑EATS

Chester‑le‑EATS returns in September to celebrate its fifth anniversary, with its biggest event yet. Taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September at Durham Cricket, Chester‑le‑Street, the free‑entry festival will feature over 40 food and drink traders, live music and entertainment across the weekend.

With street food, sweet treats, craft drinks and artisan produce on offer, plus a lively atmosphere suitable for families, friends and food lovers alike, Chester‑le‑EATS promises a vibrant celebration of one of the North East’s fastest‑growing food festivals.

Discover more food and drink experiences across the Culture County.