Seaham Food Festival: What Travelers Need to Know

Travelers planning to visit Seaham this weekend should be prepared for significant changes due to the Seaham Food Festival. This popular event, taking place on Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4, 2024, will result in various road closures and traffic restrictions, impacting both local residents and visitors.

From 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday and from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm on Sunday, several roads will be closed to all traffic, including bicycles and motorcycles. The only exceptions are emergency vehicles, certain event vehicles, and residents needing access to Marquess Point. Traders will also be allowed limited access for unloading and loading.

The Seaham Food Festival promises a delightful experience with a line-up of celebrity chefs, including Rosemary Shrager, Phil Vickery, and chocolatier Paul Young. Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations, live music, and a variety of food and drink from numerous local and regional traders. This year's festival aims to provide a vibrant atmosphere for food enthusiasts and families alike.

Travelers should note that vehicles within the restricted areas must adhere to a 5 mph speed limit and have their headlights on. Additionally, parking restrictions will be in place on parts of North Road and Tempest Road. These measures are designed to ensure safety and smooth operation of the festival but will require travelers to adjust their plans accordingly.

To ease transportation, an accessible park and ride service will run from Spectrum Business Park to the town center, starting at 9:30 am on both days. This service offers an affordable and convenient way to reach the festival, with return tickets costing £2 for adults and 50 pence for children aged five to 15. Those under five can ride for free. The last return buses will leave Harbour Road at 5:30 pm on Saturday and 4:30 pm on Sunday.

Town center car parks will remain open but are expected to be busy. Visitors are advised to use the park and ride service or plan their parking in advance, keeping in mind that Terrace Green Car Park will be closed from midnight on Thursday, August 1, until 2:00 pm on Monday, August 5. Diversions will be signposted to help navigate around the closures.

For those traveling through the area, it is important to check for any ongoing roadworks, particularly around the A19/A182 and A19 Seaton Lane. Following suggested diversion routes will help minimize travel disruptions.