Sunderland Food and Drink Festival gets double helpings

Sunderland's recent Food and Drink Festival brought a tasty boost to the city - with organisers revealing that more than 30,000 visitors attended.

And that figure is made all the more impressive with the news that it is double the number of attendees from last year - confirming that the festival continues to go from strength to strength.

The festival - held over the weekend of 7-9 June - saw thousands of people turn out to enjoy live entertainment and the numerous food stalls offering cuisines from across the world.

High Street West, Keel Square and Market Square were packed across the three days and both local venues and stall holders were delighted with the response.

Ollie Vaulkhard who owns The Keel Tavern at Keel Square said it has been a great weekend for the bar.

"The Food and Drink Festival was a great success for us in the Keel Tavern," he said.

"The Saturday was particularly busy. It's wonderful being in a square where there is energy and genuine ambition from the city to deliver events.

"It's definitely one we hope will continue to be an annual thing and hope that all the traders found it profitable and fun."

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID which organises the festival echoed Ollie's words.

"Last year we were absolutely thrilled with the amount of people who attended the festival so to double that number this time round is phenomenal," she said.

"The positive response we've had from everyone has been overwhelming and we know now that this is an event which people really look forward to.

"It's not just good for the stall holders and exhibitors, it also provides a massive boost to the local economy and particularly our fast-growing food and drink scene.

"Food and drink events continue to be extremely popular which is why we're delighted to also see the monthly markets in Sunniside Gardens which are also extremely popular."

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