Kokova Magazine

The North East's historical connection with the development of the railways is about to be celebrated in a unique fashion, as part of a major food festival. The Distinctly Delicious - Darlington Festival of Food is taking place from the 24th - 26th May 2014, with a full programme of imaginative and exciting activities.

And the grand finale of the three day event will culminate in the Locomotion Cake Parade, recreating in cake the 32 carriages which were pulled on that world-first journey made by the Locomotion steam train back in 1825.

The call has now gone out to businesses, schools and community groups across the region to take part in the parade, with each participating team adopting a cake carriage that they will decorate in Darlington-inspired themes on Monday May 26th, before joining in the parade around the town.

The huge cakes are being made by Darlington's Clervaux Artisan bakery and groups will get their edible carriage on the day and have all the products and professional advice they need to decorate it.

The event is being created by Distinct Darlington, the town's Business Improvement District and the hope is that it will bring in not just local people but visitors from across the region and beyond. A whole host of activities are planned across the festival, including workshops and demonstrations and the unveiling of the Distinctly Delicious Food Trail.

Throughout the three days there will also be a food village and stalls offering the very best in local and regional produce, with producers facing a challenge to create something new especially for the event. The programme will include street theatre throughout the festival and on Sunday March 25th the Market Square will be hosting "Eat-Along Movies" - three hit films where those watching will be able to sample dishes that are being eaten on screen at key moments.

"This is a really exciting event for Darlington and we're delighted that we're being able to bring this to the town. We have got a packed and very imaginative programme with something for everyone and an opportunity for people to really get involved in the Locomotion Cake Parade. There is some really unusual and unique entertainment being planned which we believe people from across the region will want to come and enjoy."

Alex Hirst, Manager of Distinct Darlington

The event is being organised by Simon Preston, who devises the EAT! NewcastleGatehead Festival and also put together the food aspect of last year's highly successful Festival of Thrift. Anyone wanting to take part in the Locomotion Cake Parade should contact Simon on simon@graceonline.co.uk .

The event can be followed on twitter @DarloFoodFest