Organisers of the popular Saltburn Food Festival have announced the date for its return after a four-year break.

About 100 food producers from across Teesside, the wider North East and North Yorkshire will join Saltburn's independent foodies for the event on Sunday, July 30.

The festival, which was last held in 2019 before the Covid pandemic, will see the town centre transformed into a festival village from 10am to 6pm, with Milton Street, Dundas Street East and West and Station Street closed to traffic.

A market will feature a mix of world street food, vegetarian and vegan specials, artisan bakers and cheese makers, locally produced beer, cider and gin, outdoor dining areas and street theatre.

The festival’s Live Food Theatre will also make a return on an outdoor stage in Station Square.

Festival director Lorna Jackson, who co-owns Saltburn’s family-run Real Meals deli and bistro, and manages the town’s popular monthly farmers’ market, said: “It’s fantastic to be back for what we think is the tastiest day not only on Teesside but pretty much anywhere else in the country.

“It’s been a long hungry gap, but we’re looking forward to seeing all the festival favourites again plus some very exciting newcomers too.

“The festival grew out of a very simple idea – to celebrate the great local food we have right here on our own doorsteps in the North East and North Yorkshire – and the festival’s first few years were just incredible really.

“We started out by thinking ‘let’s see what happens’ and have been completely humbled that literally thousands of people have enjoyed some amazing days.”

Admission to the festival remains free. “I think it’s more important than ever to make sure that as many people as possible can afford a good day out," said Lorna.

“So, rather than having to fork out maybe £25 that some other festivals are charging for tickets, we think it’s better that people could use some of that money to give their tastebuds a treat and enjoy a fantastic day in Saltburn instead.

“The main thing I love about the festival is the huge sense of community it creates, with people mingling around and often meeting people they haven’t seen for years. All in friendly surroundings right in the heart of town. So we’re really looking forward to another exciting and enjoyable day, and we can’t wait to get cracking.”

Festival organisers are encouraging visitors to use a range of public transport, park and ride and special festival transport services to get to and from the event.

Lorna said: “We’re putting the final touches to a range of special transport and park and ride options across the region, and we’re lucky to have bus and train services coming right into the heart of the town itself. So, give the car a holiday and enjoy a fantastic day.”