Ice cream, cakes, chocolate and plenty of family fun are all on the menu this weekend as Redcar hosts its very first Dessert Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, the free two-day festival will transform the town centre into a celebration of all things sweet, bringing together artisan dessert producers, live demonstrations, family activities and entertainment to kick-start the summer holidays.
There's no better place to celebrate great desserts than Redcar, home of the famous Lemon Top. Better still, the second day of the festival falls on National Ice Cream Day, making it the perfect excuse to enjoy an ice cream by the sea.
Visitors can enjoy everything from handcrafted cakes and artisan chocolates to delicious pastries, ice cream and other irresistible sweet treats, all while soaking up the atmosphere of the seaside.
Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy:
- Live demonstrations from leading chocolatiers, bakers and chefs in the Festival Demo Kitchen.
- Fascinating workshops from Beamish Museum exploring the history of ice cream.
- Hands-on activities including ice cream making, cheesecake decorating and chocolate lollipop workshops (small charges apply to some sessions).
- A family Sweet Trail through Redcar town centre, encouraging visitors to discover local businesses.
- The Redcar & Cleveland Cake Competition, showcasing the creativity of local amateur bakers.
The festival will also feature live entertainment throughout the town centre, including performances from Redcar favourite George Robinson at Pacittos, colourful walkabout acts from Urban Kaos' Cake Pop Crew, creative family activities with Creative Babes Club Studio, and magical storytelling with Lady Lemon Top and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Councillor Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said:
"We're delighted to be launching Redcar's first Dessert Festival and what better way to kick off the summer holidays. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase our town, support local businesses and give residents and visitors another great reason to spend the day in Redcar. We've got a brilliant programme of food, demonstrations and family entertainment, and I hope as many people as possible come along and enjoy everything the festival has to offer."
Festival entry is free, with some workshops carrying a small charge. Find full event details are available and how to book ahead for some workshops at https://www.ticketsource.com/redcar-and-cleveland-borough-council