New festival to be held in Shrewsbury

Frestival will take place in Shrewsbury next May and organisers are aiming to put on an event that allows people to access information about free-from foods and products, learn about free-from lifestyles and take advice from those who already live, and cook, free-from.

Organiser Ian Bebbington said the event, which will take place at the Greenhous West Mid Showground on May 18, will provide information on a wide range of free-from areas - from free-from plastic to free-from animal products and free-from food.

He said: “There will be a lecture theatre where visitors can hear more about free-from lifestyles and how people do it - from living as plastic-free as possible to vegan and paleo diets.

“Our cookery theatre will welcome a number of local chefs, including Mytton and Mermaid head chef Chris Burt, Richard Fletcher, chef and proprietor of The Pheasant Inn at Admaston and Lajina Leal, of Lajina Masala.

“We will hear from a variety of speakers including founder of the UK Paleo Awards, Jan Minihane, former finance professional turned food entrepreneur and serious foodie, Helen Wang and Ben Calder, of the Centre for Integral Health.

“And we will have lots of producers offering products that will compliment a free-from lifestyle.”

A variety of trade stands are also expected to occupy the Greenhous West Mid Showground to allow visitors who want to incorporate free-from into their lives - or who want to experience different aspects of free-from - to take home what they need.

“This is a brand new event and comes after a need was identified to showcase exactly what free-from products are available as demand for them continues to grow,” added Mr Bebbington.

“More and more people are turning to free-from products out of choice or as an option to dealing with certain intolerances.

“Alternatives are now available to food and drink, cosmetics, containers and clothing and we feel it is vitally important to raise awareness about the options available.

“We are delighted to have an excellent range of chefs and knowledgeable speakers who will inform and entertain during the day.”

The festival will also have a free-from food court and free-from bar to allow guests to enjoy refreshments throughout the day, and entertainers will be on hand for families.

Trade stands are still available for booking and any producer who would like to exhibit should visit www.shropshirefrestival.co.uk for more information.