Shropshire Star

Whitchurch Food & Drink Festival returns this May

Whitchurch Town Council has announced the return of the Whitchurch Food & Drink Festival on May 24. They have enlisted Shropshire Festivals to organise the free one-day event.

By contributor Claire Pocock
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Beth Heath and Clare Wells from Shropshire Festivals with Mike McDonald from Whitchurch Town Council at Jubilee Park
Beth Heath and Clare Wells from Shropshire Festivals with Mike McDonald from Whitchurch Town Council at Jubilee Park

The festival will celebrate local food and drink, with chef demonstrations using local produce, exhibitors from across the region, and hands-on food sustainability activities from local organisations.

The festival, which hasn’t been held since before Covid, will be held at Jubilee Park for the first time. The Mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Andy Hall, will host the entertainment on the bandstand throughout the day, which will feature local bands and performance groups. 

There will be around 60 exhibitors, street food and bars to explore and local chefs will run demonstrations for all ages. A kids’ area will feature free activities including inflatables, vintage games, alpacas, and have-a-go activities such as circus skills and sports.

Party at the Park at Jubilee Park in 2024
Party at the Park at Jubilee Park in 2024

The festival will incorporate the Harry Richards Garden and Community Allotment which features a recycled Bottle Greenhouse, designed and built by students from Sir John Talbot's School. The Forest School area will have bee demonstration hives and food waste activities all linked back to food. There will be an initiative to teach people how to plant seeds to grow their own food at home, as well as plans for an Edible Trail where visitors can pick their own food from baskets and pots.

The Mayor of Whitchurch, Cllr Andy Hall, said: “Whitchurch has a thriving food scene with some fantastic restaurants and producers based in the area. We are looking forward to shining a light on these brilliant North Shropshire businesses and celebrating Whitchurch with a free day out for all. To have the award-winning Shropshire Festivals team delivering a revitalised event is a big coup for the town.”

Beth Heath, Shropshire Festivals’ Director of Fun, added: “We are delighted to have been asked to deliver the Whitchurch Food & Drink Festival. The town has so much to offer, and such a passion for great food and community, we are bursting with ideas on how to reflect that. Don’t miss this free event, it’ll be a great day out for the whole family.”

Whitchurch Food & Drink Festival is taking place on Saturday, May 24 from 10am until 6pm. To find out more and to apply for a place at the event, visit whitchurchfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk. 

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