Shrewsbury Food and Drink Festival is the biggest yet
Shropshire’s biggest ever food festival welcomed people from across the Midlands as Shrewsbury was turned into Food Town for two glorious, sunshine days.
Crowds were estimated at between 25,000 and 30,000 for the biggest food festival the county has ever seen.
And chief executive Beth Heath said work had already begun on making next year’s event even bigger – with more stalls, more space and more free activities for children.
Police said the incident was trouble free and many traders were so busy that they sold out of food and drink.
Bands provided entertainment for huge crowds and children enjoyed a range of free activities.
Jonathan Smith, a festival consultant who has worked at Formula 1 Grand Prix, V Festival and other huge events, said: “This year’s food festival was astounding.
“It’s been gradually bubbling up for the past four years and this was the year when it went mainstream. It’s a truly impressive achievement and the crowds had a wonderful time. There were visitors from around the world, food from across the globe and it was a credit to Shrewsbury.”
The festival generated an estimated £1 million for local businesses and shops were busy across town throughout the weekend. Hotels, pubs and restaurants were also full – with many posting ‘sold out’ signs.
Mrs Heath added: “We’d like to thank the town, the people who came along, the volunteers, the traders, our security team and everyone else associated with the event.
“We’ve been working hard for five years to build something special for Shrewsbury. But believe us when we say – you ain’t seen nothing yet. We’ve already got plans for an even bigger and better festival next year. We’re planning to grow even more in the years ahead.”
Two hundred exhibitors packed onto The Quarry Park and there were a series of hands-on demonstrations. People were able to make their own plates at a potters’ wheel, pimp burgers with local chefs, try the best flavours from Shropshire producers or chill out in the sunshine while watching local bands.
TV chefs, Michelin star chefs and the best local cooks were on hand to give demonstrations and tutor people during masterclasses.
Chris Burt, Executive Chef at the Mytton and Mermaid, curated the Wenlock Spring Chef Demonstration Stage and the FBC Manby Bowdler Cookery School.
He said: “It’s been a breath-taking, noodle-eating, cider-drinking, sun-tan-winning, band-watching, chef-cooking, burgerlicious, hootenanny of a weekend. Or, more simply, it’s been brilliant.
“The point of Shrewsbury Food Festival is that it celebrates the best of local food and drink but it’s now grown to such an extent that people from further afield are involved. The impact on the town over the past five years has been immense. We’re all delighted to be associated with it and we’ll be back next year.”
Martin Wood, Shrewsbury’s Town Crier, was on hand throughout the weekend and he said people had great fun. “It just gets better and better,” he said.
Rob Swift, from Swift’s Bakery, in Ludlow, enjoyed giving demonstrations and masterclasses – as well as selling lots of loaves.
He said: “Shrewsbury Food Festival has been here for five years while our family bakery has been around for 150. I’m not suggesting the food festival will last that long – but I can easily see it lasting for several decades.
“It’s run by a really enthusiastic, passionate and skilled team of people and it’s a real crowd-pleaser.”
TV Chef Sally Bee said she was amazed by how big and busy the event was. The star cook, who had appeared on ITV’s Lorraine days before her demonstration, said: “What a great showcase for Shrewsbury. It’s my first visit and I can’t believe how pretty it all is.”
Stephen Tuck, from Wenlock Spring, said: “It’s been a weekend for the best of Shropshire. The atmosphere on site was the best it’s ever been.”
Claire Downes, from Monkhouse Marketing, in Shrewsbury, added: “If I were judging this year’s event, my marks would be simple – ten out of ten.”
There were plenty of animals on site, from llamas to piglets and from rare breed cattle to baby calves.
Sam Barker, from Great Berwick Organics, said: “Shrewsbury is a foodie town. It’s got great heritage and some fantastic producers.
“But the food festival is about more than just a good day of food and drink – just like the Shrewsbury Flower Show is about much more than flowers.
“It’s a place where people can mingle, meet friends, learn new skills, have fun and taste the best that this beautiful county has to offer.”
Chef Matt Parry, from Momo No Ki, said temperatures rose as the sun shone across the weekend and stall holders worked hard to keep up with demand.
“There were huge numbers of people on site but thankfully everyone was safe and they all seemed to have a good time. It’s great to be part of something that does so much for the town and the county.”
Shrewsbury Food Festival was named the second best in the UK earlier this year in a national poll, while a different poll named it the best in the West Midlands.
Gemma Cossie, part of the festival team, said there was a determination to make things work well and give visitors a great experience.
She said: “We’re delighted to be part of the great food and drink scene. But this weekend’s festival also shone the spotlight on craft, there were plenty of activities for kids, great music from local bands and brilliant workshops, classes and demonstrations.”
Site security officer Yanis Frroku, who is used to looking after A-list clients like Kate Moss and Snoop Doggy Dogg, said the festival was peaceful and trouble-free.
“In the light of recent terror attacks, we stepped up our efforts and had extra people on site. It was a terrific weekend and we’re pleased to report no trouble. Everyone was happy. It was a brilliant show.”
The event helped raise money for a number of good causes, including the Harry Johnson Trust and Self Help Africa.
