Bringing a mix of international flavours, artisan products and family-friendly entertainment, the Scarborough Food and Drink Festival will be held at the town’s Open Air Theatre on 12 and 13 April.

Featuring 50 independent stallholders, the two-day free event offers everything from Yorkshire crumbles and artisan cheese to locally made spirits and indulgent sweet treats.

Assistant director for culture and leisure, Jo Ireland said: “This exciting new event is another fantastic example of how we’re expanding our year-round offer for local people and visitors.

“By hosting the festival at the Open Air Theatre, we’re creating a platform for local and national traders, attracting more visitors and strengthening Scarborough’s reputation as a must-visit destination.”

Among the traders which will be at the festival is Crofts Chocolates, based in the town and run by Alex Grant and his mother, Sheila.

She said: “Local events are key to reaching new customers and staying connected with our community. We’ve been making chocolates with love since 2013 and events like this help small businesses like ours to grow. We’re looking forward to meeting new faces in Scarborough.”

It is hoped the festival will boost the local economy by attracting visitors earlier in the tourist season. 

Last year Scarborough Open Air Theatre generated £8.5 million for the economic benefit of the town, and this new event aims to build on that success by extending its programme into the off-peak months and helping to drive even more interest to the traditional seaside town.

Latest figures have shown that the tourism sector itself provides an annual economic boost of £561 million to the Scarborough area, attracting 3.8 million visitors a year and supporting more than 5,600 jobs. 

The new event also complements Filey Food Festival, which returns this year with events on 19 and 20 April, 7 and 8 June, August 9 and 10 and 11 and 12 October.