Food and Drink Fest serving up treats

Sunderland’s Food and Drink Fest is serving up its main course.

Last week’ s festival launch was themed around starters, but week two – which runs from June 7 to 13 June – is firmly about the main event, with activities to suit foodies of all ages.

The highlight will be a number of virtual sessions with celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli, who was a huge hit when he appeared at the very first festival in 2019.

The chef will be carrying out live demos and Q and A sessions on June 12 and 13, which are free to take part in by registering on the event website.

Virtual sessions are also being delivered by The Ivy House, The Village Pantry and Foo die Geek Trish, along with the city’s School Meals service and Change 4 Life, which will be dishing up easy to make, healthy options.

The youngsters won’t miss out, with Katie’ s Garden showing online how to make a sponge afternoon tea play set on Monday and Big Science UK sharing the creation of Colour Changing Unicorn Noodles the following day. And ARTventures are also getting on the act on Sunday, where they will be making spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

The festival has been created by Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council, which has created a virtual and in-person programme.

Sharon Apple by, Chief Executive at Sunderland BID, said: “Jean Christophe Novelli was so popular when he attended the first festival so we’re really looking forward towel coming him back, even if it is virtually.”

All virtual events will be streamed at on the festival’s Facebook page.