Festival showcases talents and tastes

A food festival is set to encourage people to experience dining out and shopping once again this summer.

The city-wide event is due to run from Tuesday, June 1, to Sunday, June 27.

But while there will be no market, organisers are working to put on online cookery demonstrations, food challenges, family activities and showcases of Sunderland’s restaurants and food retailers as the economy begins the recovery from the pandemic.

The first guests have been announced, with a full programme to be announced soon by Sunderland City Council and Sunderland BID.

Taking to the online kitchen to share their culinary skills will be celebrity chef Rustie Lee, pictured, and Great British Bake Off finalist Alice Fevronia, who appeared in the 2019 series.

Family entertainment will include virtual science experiments by The Gastronaut, Stefan Gates.

Cllr Linda Williams, Portfolio Holder for Vibrant City, said: "The whole city will benefit from this great event showcasing the very best of Sunderland cuisine.

“We have some amazing retailers and delicious local dishes in our vibrant city and we can’t wait to celebrate them."

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID added: "We are delighted to be working with Sunderland City Council to deliver a city-wide food and drink programme.

"Instead of having a food market, we will be encouraging residents to use the many restaurants and food retailers we have in the city.”