Visitors to this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival can expect an extended culinary experience as The Auckland Project unveils a vibrant programme of food and drink across its historic estate.
Taking place across Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2026, the festival – one of the North East’s largest free food events – will once again transform Bishop Auckland into a bustling celebration of regional produce, street food and family entertainment, with more than 140 traders, celebrity chef demonstrations and thousands of visitors expected.
Building on the festival’s success, The Auckland Project will offer a variety of food experiences stretching from the market place through to the beautiful grounds of Auckland Palace.
Visitors will find a dedicated marketplace presence near The Hearth in the market place, alongside a popular street food offer including palace pies, serving hearty classics such as steak and ale, chicken and leek, and vegetarian and gluten free options – all accompanied by traditional sides including gravy and mushy peas, and an indulgent apple and cinnamon crumble pie with custard.
At El Castillo Spanish tapas restaurant – named among the best museum cafes and restaurants in the UK by The Guardian in 2025– there will be a special ‘three dishes for £15’ menu and a vibrant outdoor sangria station, offering both red and white options.
Inside the palace grounds on the arrivals court, the new Palace Pizza van will make its debut, serving freshly made, hand-stretched, stone baked sourdough base pizzas alongside drinks and dips.
Nearby, visitors can visit the coffee cart to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats, and there will also be an ice cream cart serving a selection of ice cream and sorbets.
Auckland Palace’s Bishop’s Kitchen will also be open as usual throughout the weekend, offering a relaxed indoor and outdoor dining option.
All Auckland Project venues and outdoor offers will be open from 10am to 4pm across both days, giving visitors even more opportunity to explore beyond the main festival footprint.
Kimberley Carruthers, Head of Hospitality Operations at The Auckland Project, said: “Bishop Auckland Food Festival is always a highlight of the year, and we’re excited to once again be part of such a fantastic celebration of food and community.
“This year, we’ve created a varied and welcoming offer across our estate – from street food favourites like pies and pizza to tapas, coffee and sweet treats – giving visitors even more to explore beyond the market place.”
The Bishop Auckland Food Festival is organised by Durham County Council and continues to play a key role in showcasing the region’s food and drink, supporting local businesses and boosting tourism.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the full festival programme while taking in the unique food experiences on offer across The Auckland Project’s venues.
Founded in 2012 by Jonathan and Jane Ruffer, The Auckland Project is working to transform Bishop Auckland into a centre of heritage and the arts through the restoration of historic Auckland Palace – once home to the powerful Prince
Bishops of Durham – the opening of the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, and the Faith Museum which was named ‘Grand Winner’ in the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust’s 2024 Building Beauty Awards.
Alongside its attractions, the charity runs community programmes and partnerships with local schools and colleges, designed to boost the local economy, create opportunities, and inspire pride in the region’s rich history.
For more information, visit www.aucklandproject.org.
