Nantwich’s eagerly-awaited Food and Drink Festival will boost the town’s economy by £2 million, say organisers.
They say the event, over the first weekend in September, promises to be bigger and better with more attractions, late night opening and larger marquees housing delicacies from across the globe.
The event, billed as “the biggest and tastiest food festival in the country,” will give the town’s economy a £2m boost with more than 30,000 visitors expected over September 5-7.
Each year it shines the spotlight on Nantwich’s food scene with traders across town opening their doors to stage workshops, tastings and family activities.
This year’s crowd-puller sees two of the event’s big sponsors – Mornflake and Bentley – put their branding on huge gourmet food halls sited on the Bowling Green and Love Lane car-parks.
The town square will host a seated food theatre – headlined by cookery school celebrity Brian Mellor and with presentations by chefs from top Cheshire restaurants including Rookery Hall and Peckforton Castle.
Food and craft stalls will be dotted at open venues across town including Churchyardside, Pepper Street and Cocoa Yard.
Fun activities include the launch of “Nantwich Potato Bowling Championship – think boules but with potatoes!”
That takes place at the White Horse pub on Pillory Street while Nantwich Museum offers children a chance to learn about bees and their importance in our food.
Hungry contestants will line up for “Man V Food” – a belly-busting highlight on the festival calendar.
This year they take on a whopper Dabber sausage in a giant bap to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.
A new venue is Dysart Buildings where legal eagles from Hall Smith Whittingham join with the Women’s Farming Union to host a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
Marks and Spencer in Nantwich is helping with food tastings, flower arranging and fun with wet sponges at its Beam Street store. Next door the library has games and competitions.
Visitors can find cocktail-making at Residence Bar, pizza-making at Firenze Restaurant and heavenly desserts at the Methodist Church.
Festival chairman Deborah Robb said: “We say it every year, but that’s because it’s true. This year’s festival is going to be the biggest and best yet.
“We’ve got more going on, the best range of exhibitors that we’ve ever had, amazing demonstrations and lots more besides. It’s going to be a spellbinding event.”
This year the festival stays open late on Friday when professional fire-breathers, stilt-walkers and jugglers will help create a party atmosphere.
Deborah, who heads the not-for-profit team who organise the festival, added: “People always comment on the feel-good factor.
“Yes, it’s about food, but also about showcasing our beautiful town and giving everyone, young and old, a weekend to remember.”
For more on activities visit www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk
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