Thousands flock to South Shields food and drink festival

Some of the treats on offer at the Proper Food and Drink Festival in South Shields.

Visitors from all over the region came down to the fourth annual event, held at Bents Park on the seafront over the Bank Holiday weekend, to enjoy a variety of tasty treats on offer.

Foodies were spoilt for choice with huge selection of food and drink up for sale from around 90 stalls featuring the best artisan produce and a range of food outlets to cater for all tastes.

Organised by husband and wife team, Mark and Shelley Deakin, proved to be hugely popular once again, with visitors of all ages enjoying music and entertainment, along with the great selection of refreshments.

Mr Deakin said he was delighted with the turn out on the first day of the free event.

He said: “We love coming to South Shields and the people here are always up for a good time.

“In light of what has happened in Manchester we have added extra security, but we were determined to go ahead.

The event attracted large crowds on its first day.

“This is our fourth one now and it has been really good so far, we think it has been our busiest one yet.

“We love the location and the people here are fantastic.”

The couple, who also run the North East Chilli Fest, will be holding a second event called The Great North Feast at Bents Park over the August Bank Holiday.

Mr Deakin added: “This event features food from all over the world and the region itself including, Mexican, Geman and Indian cuisine.

“It also has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options to make sure there was something for everybody.”

Visitor Julie Lovell from Sunderland said she thought the event was fantastic.

She said: “It is a great event and I am really impressed by the variety of food on offer.

“There is a great mix of stalls and its great to have something like this on our doorstep.”

The event is free to enter and will be running over the Bank Holiday weekend until the end of the day on Monday, May 29.