Twenty years ago, when I was last in Newcastle, the idea of taking a holiday in this proud city would have appealed only to football fanatics, stag night masochists and all-night clubbers.

Today, the same city is buzzing with style, excitement and activity. Its vibrant new face appeals to all age groups and classes.

Newcastle’s cultural renaissance has been driven largely by the Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative, formed in 2000 by the adjoining councils to promote the two River Tyne neighbours as one single tourist and cultural destination.

The project has been a brilliant success. Major festivals have also brought excitement to this corner of the North East, and among them the EAT! Festival. Now in its seventh year, and running from August 23 to September 8, it’s a festival of adventures in food and an innovative way to experience North East fare.

For 16 days, there’s a variety of eclectic foodie events bringing together local businesses and restaurants, the best amateur and professional chefs, experts, artisans and drink mixologists.

You’ll find street food from North East restaurants and traders, plus three food zones — chilli, chocolate and cider — with tastings and workshops, plus pop-up restaurants and live entertainment.

The EAT! fringe is a selection of events arranged by local foodie experts and includes cosmos-inspired cocktails, a medieval banquet and a series of secret dinners.

There’s the Cake City event in which teams of amateur and professional bakers make cakes shaped like local landmark buildings. After judging is finished, everyone descends on the map — and eats the cakes!

The festival ends with the Big EAT! Weekend on September 5-8 which includes an awards ceremony, family barbecue, wine festival and chilli-eating contest.

Of course, visitors to Newcastle for the festival mustn’t think only about filling their stomachs. This is a great time to explore the city too, with food and drink-themed walking tours laid on daily.

But, over a weekend exploring the city on foot, you’ll build up quite an appetite!