Foodies have flocked back to a popular County Durham food festival as it returns for the first time since lockdown.
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is being held at the town's Market Place this weekend.
And crowds of visitors have gobbled up the chance to sample some delicious produce at 100s of stalls, and get cooking tips off some of the nation's top celebrity chef.
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The event, which usually takes place in the spring, is being held in October for one year only after being cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But the festival has returned with a bang, with a line-up of cooking stars including Great British Bake Off star, Jane Beedle and Mastchef champion Tom Rhodes.
Jane was a finalist on GBBO in 2016 and winner of the Christmas special in 2018. Since appearing on the show she has appeared on The Lorraine show and at many food festivals.
During lockdown she regularly hosted Zoom classes, reaching fans of the show around the world.
Before the event, Coun Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are really excited to welcome visitors back to Bishop Auckland for our food festival.
"Not only will there be a host of stalls selling all sorts of mouth-watering goodies, but we also have some fantastic workshops and entertainment planned for both adults and children alike.
“This festival is a key part of our current bid to become UK City of Culture 2025, showing just how important food is to culture and demonstrating how diverse and vibrant our cultural programme is."
The festival is taking place across Bishop Auckland Market place and in North Bond Gate and like in 2019 it is using the new car park space to allow for more traders and entertainment.
The festival also has workshops and things to see in Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
While visitors were able to watch the star guests for free in the large outdoor Cookery Theatre, located in the new car park space alongside traders off North Bondgate.
Street food traders and artisan food producers from across the North East and Cumbria have been showcasing their products ar the festival.
And stall holder have included Black Storm Brewery, Northumberland Sausage Company and Fat Hippo.
With more than 29,000 visitors attending in 2019, the festival is expected to help boost the takings of local businesses and support the region's economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
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