The first Northumbria Food and Drink Festival takes over the food gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, Vallum Farm, on September 10.
The festival will serve up fantastic food, local ales and spirits, live music, demos from leading chefs and producers, and lots more, from clay pigeon shooting to bouncy castles – in aid of Newcastle-based international aid organisation No Strings, which uses puppetry to spread life-saving messages throughout the developing world.
Throughout the day you’ll be able to get to grips with the best food from across the North East with burger experts Fat Hippo and Newcastle-based burrito bar Zapatista.
The boys from La Petite Crêperie will be creating sweet and savoury crêpes, while there’s a hog roast courtesy of WMH Meats to keep you feasting all day.
Box Social’s Craft Beer Engine will be well stocked with fantastic local ales, while beer will also be on tap from Errant Brewery, and the Vallum team will be showcasing the best local gins and seasonal cocktails.
The packed market marquee will host more than 30 producers, from jams and chutneys courtesy of the lovely folk at Yummy Things and handmade cheese from Northumberland Cheese, to brews from Ouseburn Coffee Co and gourmet brownies from The Brownie Bar.
You can also hear how to match wine and food with the team from Carruthers & Kent, see talented gundogs in action and learn the tricks of preparing game with Close House chef and game expert Craig Harvey, get your hands on some kitchen kit at CCS’s Al Fresco Kitchen, and sample the best local beers with Cheers magazine editor Alastair Gilmour.
We’ve also got four leading chefs showcasing their skills, with Peace & Loaf’s Dave Coulson, Rhian Cradock from The Feathers Inn at Hedley on the Hill, Martin Charlton of The Old Boathouse and the Fish Shack at Amble, and Close House’s Craig Harvey sharing their knowledge and love of local produce.
Funk behemoths King Bee will headline the event, alongside blues maestro Lomax, country and roots from Chloe Chadwick and folky sounds from Shipcote & Friends.
There are also activities for kids of all ages from bouncy castles and face painting to pony and tractor rides around the farm. The grown ups will enjoy trying their hands at clay pigeon shooting or their feet at foot golf.
The team from No Strings International will be showcasing their puppet making skills and offering the chance to give it a go, and they’ll also be screening their life-saving films, which have been seen in countries around the world. Find out more about them at www.nostrings.org.uk
Head to www.appetitemag.co.uk/northumbria-food-drink-festival for the latest information.
Saturday September 10, 11am-5pm, Vallum, Military Road, East Wallhouses, Newcastle, NE18 0LL Entry £5 per car or £2.50 per person on foot