If working your way around the 37 installations builds up an appetite, we’ve rounded up some of the best and quirkiest places to get some quality food and drink during the festival, in no particular order.
1. Cosy Club, Riverwalk
Cosy Club recently opened as part of the new £30million Riverwalk development on the site of the former Gates shopping centre. The 120-cover restaurant serves food daily, from breakfast through to late night, and is a mixture of food styles with British classics such as fish and chips rubbing shoulders with tapas on the menu, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Kids are also well catered for. Drinks-wise, expect draught beers and ciders, wines and cocktails which are served until 1am at weekends. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Old Tom's Gin Bar, Riverwalk
This bar can trace its history back to the 13th century and it's teeming with character. Beneath the Medieval beams, you can take your pick from more than 250 gins, rums, specialist wines and whiskies. If you can get a seat, there's also a small beer garden overlooking the river at Framwellgate Bridge and Durham Castle. Photo: JPI Media
3. Fat Hippo, Saddler Street
If you fancy taking a bite out of some quality burgers head to Fat Hippo. The North East burger chain has built up a firm following thanks to its options such as burgers topped with peanut butter and bacon jam, as well as an imaginative selection of veggie options. Photo: Fat Hippo
4. The Tin Of Sardines, Elvet Bridge
Believed to be the world's smallest gin bar, this is a great place for a glass of Mother's Ruin served by knowledgeable staff - if you're lucky enough to get in. Photo: Stu Norton