Eat, drink and be merry is the message this Easter as NewcastleGateshead's first ever food and drink festival gets underway. EAT! NewcastleGateshead runs from 6-15 April and aims to celebrate the best the region has to offer when it comes to finding something to satisfy your stomach. Events include a special wine tasting evening with a 20-minute crash course in swirling and nosing and a "Food Heroes" tasting market at Northern Stage Square, which will feature live demonstrations by local chefs. Fish on the Tyne | | A fishing boat will travel up the Tyne |
Also on the menu are a Singin' Hinnie contest, special discount offers in selected restaurants and several events designed to encourage people to enjoy a proper sit-down meal at work or at home. To kick off the festival, Amble-based fisherman Kevin Henderson sailed his boat up the River Tyne to deliver freshly-caught fish to a gaggle of local chefs waiting in anticipation at the Quayside. BBC Tyne had a privileged position on Kevin's boat for the journey and you can see our photos from the afternoon here: Below are a few of the things you can see and do during the festival. Food Heroes Tasting MarketWhere and when? Friday 13 April, 10am – 5pm, Northern Stage Square, Kings Walk, Newcastle University What? With 20 of the region's top food producers in attendance this event will showcase a huge range of local food and produce, with the emphasis firmly on tasting. Local chefs will demonstrate throughout the day. How much? Entrance is free Ten Things to Eat Before you Die | | There will be a special dinner at Discovery Museum |
Where and when? Sunday 15 April, 7.30pm - 11pm, Discovery Museum Great Hall What? A five-course dinner featuring local and international foods that apparently everyone should try at least once in their lives, including Lindisfarne Oysters, Spanish Iberico de Bellota ham and local wild foods. How much? £85 per head inclusive of all food and wine (proceeds go to The Children's Foundation). To book call 0191 241 4523 Adopt a SchoolWhere and when? Primary schools across NewcastleGateshead, w/c Monday 9 April What? Local chefs will be visiting primary schools to introduce children to the basics of cooking, eating, tasting and nutrition - a la Jamie Oliver! Wine of the TimesWhere and when? Wednesday 11 April, 7.00pm- 8.30pm, Newcastle Guildhall What? Twenty wine retailers, suppliers, micro breweries and restaurateurs will bring their very best to the table for a mass wine tasting of 100 wines and beers. How much? £15 - To book call 0191 277 8000. Tickets are also available on the door. | 
