By Sarah Walker
29 July 2024
Thousands of food and drink lovers came out in the sunshine to enjoy an electric atmosphere at the Saltburn Food Festival.
Many of these took advantage of the regular train services into Saltburn and the many Park and Ride options around Redcar and East Cleveland, in order to make the most out of their day.
Festival organiser Lorna Jackson said the turnout of people supporting local food and drinks producers, craft stalls and other small businesses had been “fantastic”.
“What another fabulously successful food festival in Saltburn!” said Lorna.
“There was a fantastic turnout, delicious food from all the vendors and a wonderful atmosphere.
“Overall, people seemed to really enjoy the different cuisines and activities.
“It’s always nice to see the community come together to celebrate food and local businesses.”
Lorna runs the Real Meals deli and bistro in Milton Street and Food First, a community interest company aimed at promoting local food as a way to enjoy cultural experiences and promote a more sustainable, ecological way of life.
She added lots of people had showed up to take part in cookery courses and learn how to create new recipes at the food theatre.
“The atmosphere this year was absolutely buzzing with excitement and positive energy, making it a memorable event for everyone who attended,” she said.
“It’s absolutely awesome to see the festival growing and becoming even more popular each year.
“Bring on the next!”
As well as the food, drink and various goods on offer – from plants and sustainable food wrap to home-made chopping boards – crowds were entertained by a wide variety of music organised in association with Signals Bistro.
Friends Mollie Hart, 28, from Moorsholm, and Molly Templeman, 30, from Redcar, and Schnauzer Finn, picked up an array of tasty treats including Yorkshire crisps, brownies and Scotch eggs and watched a couple of the live cooking demos.
The pair met through work – Mollie is a sister at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and Molly is an occupational therapist – and they agree that having a fun food festival with a chilled vibe is the perfect tonic to balance stressful jobs.
“I think Saltburn is a lovely place to spend time with your family and friends,” said Mollie.
“We work for the NHS and have stressful jobs so it’s good to come somewhere you can chill and have a good time with your friends.”
Molly added: “You see a lot of people you know as you walk around and it’s really relaxed and shows off Saltburn and local businesses and how gorgeous they are.”
The food festival was a special treat for Georgia Smith, 28, and her fiancé Stephen Jude (known as Jude), 25.
The Wynyard couple are getting married at Northallerton Register Office next Saturday and holding their wedding reception at The Truffled Hog in Stokesley.
Truffled Hog owner Martin Jones was one of the chefs captivating a hungry audience with a special cooking demo at the food festival and Georgia and Jude received a special mention by the chef.
“We’re regulars at The Truffled Hog and the cheese board is my favourite,” said Georgia, an account manager for a life sciences company.
Jude, a content manager, added: “The No Parmo Here dish [which Martin prepared and cooked live at the festival] is my favourite. It’s our first time at the festival. It’s actually our first time at Saltburn and we were just saying to each other how nice it is.”
During the event Martin also announced another Truffled Hog restaurant will be opening in Saltburn at the former Virgo’s restaurant, whose owners are retiring.
Rachel and Pete Heaney and daughters Alexis, one, and Grace Walker, 16, love the family-friendly atmosphere of the food festival.
“We have been before and it’s always a nice family day out,” said Rachel, from Guisborough.
“There are so many good food options to choose from and we’ve had some mini pancakes so far.
“It’s nice to be able to pick up things you can’t get in the supermarket – we’ve bought some flavoured cashew nuts and going to have a look around at some more stalls.”
The hard work might be over for Saltburn Food Festival 2024, but the planning now begins for next year’s event.
It’s a labour of love for Lorna, an ecology graduate, who sells a wide variety of local produce in her deli bistro.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what next year brings as we’re always open to new and interesting ideas for the festival – so it will be interesting to see what we can come up with for 2025!” she said.
ENDS
Press release issued by SASS media Ltd on behalf of Food First Saltburn.
For more information and pictures, contact Sarah Walker on 07896 894538.
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