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Durham OnAir

County Durham traders get set for Seaham Food Festival



Traders across County Durham and beyond are counting down to the return of next

month’s Seaham Food Festival.


The free Durham County Council event, which is taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday,

8 August, marks a welcome return of festivals and events following the coronavirus

pandemic.


The festival is set to play a key role in the council’s commitment to cultural-led

regeneration and, with 15,000 people having attended the inaugural festival in 2019, it will

provide a huge boost to local traders and businesses in the area.


It is one of a number of cultural events on offer across County Durham as the council

makes a county-wide bid for UK City of Culture 2025, which would provide a major boost

for the whole region.


Around 100 traders and local producers will be lined up along Terrace Green, offering a

host of tasty treats and mouth-watering dishes to suit everyone’s tastes. Traders are also

looking forward to a welcome boost to business, with excitement building ahead of the

event.


David Richardson, of The Canny Candy Gadgies, runs a handmade confectionary

business in Seaham, using traditional recipes that have been passed down from previous

generations to make delicious fudge, brittle and honeycomb. David loved trading in his

hometown during the first festival but believes Seaham Food Festival 2021 will be even

more special.


David said: “Meeting the public and explaining our products is such an important part of

our business and food festivals are key in helping us to reach more people. We really

missed having that connection last year so I cannot wait to start meeting visitors along the

seafront again in a few weeks.


“It makes it even more special to be a part of such a brilliant event in your hometown,

particularly when you see it bringing the community together and boosting businesses

across the town. It’s not just about traders but everyone in the community and after the

difficult year that we have all had, it will be wonderful to see so many people enjoying what

the town has to offer.”


For those spending a summer closer to home this year, the festival is set to provide the

perfect opportunity to experience worldwide flavours. Alpine 21 will be bringing a taste of

the Alps to Seaham, Indian street food will be on offer from Mivesi and Fire and Dough are

featuring stone-baked pizzas.


Visitors will also be able to take home delicious goods from Breaking Bread, gooey bakes

from the Brownie Bar, handmade pickles, chutneys and chilli sauces as well as a range of

cocktails, cheeses, chocolate and even herbs and spice kits.





Liza Johnson, of Discovering Durham in the Prince Bishop centre in Durham City, has

created a hub in the centre of the city selling produce from a range of local producers. She

has supported traders such as Durham Coffee to attend the festival and will be running the

Tea Enthusiasts stand herself. Liza is delighted that the festival is able to go ahead this

year.


“Food festivals provide such a unique opportunity for us to reach our customers,

connecting them to food and drink that is produced in their local area,” explains Liza. “We

can educate, inform and entertain while helping our business to grow; it is the best of both

worlds.


“Once a customer connects to a producer, they begin to value the hard work, passion and

expertise involved in getting food or drink products to market. Food and drink is the most

primitive form of comfort and community so what better way for us all to reconnect in

2021.”


Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and

partnerships, said: “We are delighted that Seaham Food Festival is going to be provide

some much needed support to our independent traders, as well as local businesses,

following a difficult 18 months. It is going to be a wonderful weekend for everyone involved

all those visiting.”


For a full list of traders and the latest information of Seaham Food Festival, visit

www.seahamfoodfestival.co.uk and follow @SeahamFoodFest on Facebook, Twitter and

Instagram.

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