Sunderland Food and Drink Festival is back on the menu

A celebration of all things culinary - with some added ingredients - will be back this summer, with the return of the Sunderland Food and Drink Festival.

The popular event is planned over the weekend of 7-9 June, with events taking place across Keel Square, High Street West and Market Square, with more areas about to come on board.

And along with the opportunity to tuck into favourites from across the globe, the festival will also allow visitors to fill up on a host of workshops and live entertainment.

The popular market will be returning once again with a range of continental food stalls along with local, independent traders.

Among those already signed up to take part are Karachi and Spice Indian street food, Sweet de Belly Caribbean cuisine and everything from noodle bars to stands selling German bratwurst.

Greek, Mexican, Hungarian, Thai, Turkish, Chinese and Italian food will be on offer, as well as stalls selling sauces, tray bakes, cakes, cheese and chutneys.

Local favourites Fat Hippo and Twisted Chick will also be on hand, for anyone needing their burger or chicken fix.

The market will also feature a range of handicraft items from countries as far afield as South America to Turkey and Spain, with around 50 traders expected to take part.

Keel Square will also be a focus for entertainment throughout the weekend, with performances and activities taking centre stage.

This includes Abba tribute duo, Voulez 2 and former X Factor finalist, Amelia Lily.

Workshops for youngsters include the opportunity to decorate a pot and then plant herbs in it, with a whole host of fun, walkabout characters will also be out and about throughout the festival.

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID which organises the festival believes it will be another huge success.

"We have had so much positive feedback after last year's event and we know that Food and Drink Festival is something that everyone looks forward to," she said.

"It's a great mix of something for everyone and we can't wait to unveil further details of the programme in the coming weeks."

For more information on the festival visit www.sunderlandfooddrinkfest.co.uk