Everything from a top French chef to an afternoon tea with a spongy twist is on the menu as Sunderland Food and Drink Fest enters its second week.

Following last week’s launch around the theme of starters, week two – which runs from 7 – 13 June – is firmly about the main event, with activities to suit foodies of all ages.

And the highlight will be a number of virtual sessions with celebrity chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, who was a huge hit when he appeared at the very first festival in 2019.

The chef will be carrying out live demos and Q and A sessions on 12 and 13 June, which are free to take part in by registering on the event website.

But that’s just some of the treats in store in a week jam packed with demonstrations covering everything from pizza to mince and dumplings to quiche and vegan burgers.

Virtual sessions are being delivered by The Ivy House, The Village Pantry and Foodie Geek Trish, along with the city’s School Meals service and Change 4 Life, which will be dishing up easy to make, healthy options.

Youngsters are also well catered for, with Katie’s Garden showing online how to make a sponge afternoon tea playset on Monday and Big Science UK sharing the creation of Colour Changing Unicorn Noodles the following day.

And ARTventures are also getting on the act on Sunday, where they will be making spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

The festival has been created by Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council, which has created a virtual and in person programme which has something for everyone.

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive at Sunderland BID, said the week has some great events planned and urged people to get involved.

“We got off to a great start last week but there’s still plenty of events taking place that we hope people will participate in,” she said.

“Jean Christophe Novelli was so popular when he attended the first festival so we’re really looking forward to welcoming him back, even if it is virtually this time round.

“He’ll be cooking up some amazing dishes and we’re sure fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to ask him some questions.”

All virtual events will be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/sundfooddrinkfest/

For further information on the festival or to register for a virtual session, visit https://sunderlandfooddrinkfest.co.uk/