Annual Foodfest event set to be biggest ever
Foodfest, North Devon’s premier food and drink festival, will be taking place this Sunday (20th October) at Barnstaple’s Historic Pannier Market.
The annual celebration of North Devon’s finest food will feature over 90 local food and drink exhibitors, chef demonstrations, tastings and live music.
The winners of the North Devon Food Awards will also be announced at a special ceremony held on the day. The awards celebrate the best food producers and retailers in the area in a number of categories, including Best Local Restaurant, Café and Pub.
This year's North Devon Foodfest will be bigger than ever, with more producers, more food stalls and a new location within the Queen's Theatre for the chef's demonstrations.
Top chef Michael Caines MBE of Gidleigh Park will be making a guest appearance for the third year running, providing cooking demonstrations and talking to visitors about how local food influences his cooking.
In addition, the Northern Devon Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) will be hosting a dedicated area at FoodFest, providing fishy fun and seafood with demonstrations, activities and information for all the family.
John’s of Instow and Appledore will also be attending and showcasing a selection of their local producers and offering the public a chance to win a luxury Johns hamper.
Now in its sixth year, event organisers North Devon+ have seen it increase in popularity since it began in 2008: last year there were over 13,500 visitors and 75 exhibitors, and five top chefs from some of the best local restaurants.
Kristy Webbe, from North Devon+ said: "This is a fantastic event and we urge local people to come along to see what’s on offer – it’s not only about celebrating local food and drink, it’s about supporting our suppliers, growers and traders.”
Foodfest is just one part of a programme of activities that North Devon+ are involved with to support the local economy - working with partners in the food and drink sector is one element, but they also bring together key partners across the county and beyond with other elements of their work.
The event would not be possible without the support of BID Barnstaple, North Devon Council, The North Devon Fisheries Local Action Group and Johns of Instow and Appledore.
Foodfest will take place on Sunday 20thOctober 2013 10.00 – 3.30pm at Barnstaple’s Historic Pannier Market. Entrance is free.
Notes to Editors
For more information regarding this press release contact: Emma Parker Reynolds at Coast on 07944 360631 or the Coast main office on 01752 847135.
FoodFest Background:
Coordinated by North Devon+, the economic regeneration company for North Devon and Torridge, FoodFest is part of an ongoing regional campaign to support local food and drink producers. The FoodFest event has increased in popularity since it began in 2008: last year there were over 13,500 visitors, 75 exhibitors, and five top chefs from some of the best local restaurants.
Launched by North Devon+ in 2008 with European funding via a Leader4 food and drink project, FoodFest has now been self supporting since 2011 with funding instead provided by North Devon+, North Devon Council, BID Barnstaple, and annual sponsors (for 2013 they are the Northern Devon Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) and John’s of Appledore and Instow).
About North Devon +
North Devon+ is the chief economic delivery agency for North Devon and Torridge. We aim to deliver positive change, creating a more productive economy and more prosperous communities. Our role is to ensure our area thrives as a place in which to live, learn, work and visit. Our primary focus is on regeneration, tourism and business development. We work with Torridge District Council, North Devon Council, Devon County Council and the private sector to deliver projects and initiatives that encourage and support business growth, improve quality of life, and address social and economic inequalities. North Devon+ is a member of the National Enterprise Network. To find out more visit www.northdevonplus.co.uk