Washington food market proves a hit as inaugural event attracts over 2,000 people

A new Washington food market has proved a big hit as it sees over 2,000 people attending its first event in Albany Park.

The food market, which took place on Sunday, May 23, featured a range of cuisine from German sausages to vegan tacos as well as music from local buskers.

The event proved a big hit with over 2,000 people heading to Albany Park throughout the day to see what was on and offer and support local businesses as well as raising £400 for the Washington Community Food Project.

Washington Food Market was organised by the newly formed Washington Does Culture, which is a collaboration between An Open House Community Interest Company, and business consultancy LexSpark LTD.

The market featured stalls from a variety of local businesses in the area, offering a range of different food to cater to everyone.

Event organiser Richard Murr, said: “We’ve been blown away by the response to our first Washington Food Market. We couldn’t have asked for a better launch, with over 2000 people attending and over £400 raised for the Washington Community Food Project.

“It really does go to show the amazing community of people we have living in Washington. All our traders were amazed at how well the event went, with many of them selling out within the first few hours.”

Plans for the food market are part of a long term idea from Washington Does Culture to bring a number of cultural events to Washington in the future, with the backing of Sunderland City Council and Sharon Hodgson MP.

Sharon Hodgson MP, said: “I'm delighted that Washington has attracted the interest of event organisers and I’m looking forward to seeing our community coming together in Albany Park, which is one of the many excellent green spaces we are so lucky to have in Washington.”

The Washington Food Market will be taking place at Albany Park every four weeks, with the next event set for Sunday June 20.

Richard Murr added: “Myself and the team at Washington Does Culture can’t wait for our next event on 20th June and are excited to see how the market will grow over the course of the year.”

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