Record-breaking crowds turn out for Morpeth food festival

Following a two-year pause, foodies turned out to Morpeth town centre in their droves to celebrate the “largest event” on the town’s events calendar.

Over 52,000 visitors were in attendance across the weekend taking advantage of the “warmer than usual” October weather and the 100 plus traders and producers that lined Bridge Street.

An array of local produce was on offer as part of the festival and food lovers “swamped” the stalls, leading to a sell out amongst most traders who would later rush home on the Saturday night to produce more items to be traded on Sunday.

Event organiser and centre manager for Sanderson Arcade, Lottie Thompson, commented: “It was hard to know what to expect this year and we were prepared to not see pre-Covid visitor numbers yet given there had been a break, but we’re thrilled with the local support and that the traders had such a smashing weekend.

“The Street Food Quarter and Boozy Bar were especially popular this year with some street food vendors experiencing queues with up to one hour wait time.” This didn’t deter anyone, however, and feedback was said to be overwhelmingly positive throughout the entire weekend.

As well as street food and a local produce market the event hosted a number of cookery demonstrations and competitions in the event’s demo kitchen throughout the two days adding to the free entertainment line-up which also included free children’s activities and live music.

The ‘Trader of the Year award’, voted for by the general public, went to Calder’s Kitchen, a producer which has attended the festival for a number of years and known for its award-winning traditional piccalilli. The award was presented to the trader by Morpeth Mayor, Alison Byard.

Organisers of the festival expressed gratitude to its sponsors which include Morpeth Town Council, Rutherfords, Davidsons of Morpeth, Pleased to Meet You and More in Morpeth.

The team is now said to be busy planning a Christmas Launch in Morpeth Town Centre, which will take place over the weekend of November 19 and 20. This festive event will reportedly feature over 50 local traders, a Santa’s Grotto and a stage programme filled with traditional Christmas music.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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