Top performers, activities and events have been added to the lineup for this year’s Sunderland food and Drink Festival.
The three-day event – which takes place June 6-8 at three sites around the city – Keel Square, High Street West and Market Square – attracted around 30,000 visitors last year.
Along with vendors showcasing global food, event goers will be able to take part in a packed schedule of family activities and enjoy a programme of live music from local performers.
Among those taking to the stage in a programme curated by Sunderland Music City and Sunderland BID affiliate member ISG are Lottie Willis, Ruby Kelly, Voulez 2, a Robbie Williams tribute act, and many more.
There will be creative workshops for children on topics from eco-friendly gardening to arts and crafts, and interactive performances. There will also be a dedicated Green Living Zone, highlighting the value of creativity and sustainability, and the chance to have photographs taken with Flower Fiesta characters.
Fresh produce from the A Space to Grow community garden run by the University of Sunderland will be on sale and, on Friday only, visitors can learn about the benefits of home hot composting. On Saturday only, there will be information about Big Bear Clean Up litter-picks and how to raise funds and awareness for Animals Asia. There will also be sensory play, arts, crafts and seed planting with Together for Children. On Sunday only, the Preloved Bear Co will be selling an assortment of pre-loved soft toys.
Throughout the weekend, visitors – who are urged to check the programme for full details – can also take part in other activities from workshops and nature-inspired arts and crafts to recycled material sculpture sessions led by local artists.
Pride Radio will be playing popular hits on Saturday in Market Square, and the launch of Pride in Sunderland is taking place at the Bridges with drag queen appearances. Afrobeats will also pop up on Sunday with traditional African drumming, masks, fashion, music, food and more.
The food on offer will be truly international with everything from German sausages and American steak burgers to Greek souvlaki and spanakopita.
Among the traders taking part are Sumo Bento (Japanese and Korean), Twisted Chick (fried chicken) and Musafari Grills (African). Turkish favourites will also be available, as will Indian dishes along with tastes of the Caribbean, Mexico, Korea and Japan – while there will be dessert stands and stalls too.
“Not only do we have some of the best, most innovative and tastiest street food, but we’ve also lined up three days of fun activities and entertainment for the whole family,” said Roberta Redecke, marketing and events manager at Sunderland BID. “This is shaping up to be our best Food and Drink Festival yet and we hope as many people as possible will come along and enjoy everything on offer.”
The event will take place at Keel Square and High Street West 10am-7pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday, and at Market Square 10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.
Additional elements will continue to be added to the programme and any traders who would like to take part but have not yet signed up should contact info@sunderlandbid.co.uk
For more information and to keep up to date visit www.sunderlandfooddrinkfest.co.uk
