Packed meeting hears Shrewsbury Food Festival plans

The packed meeting at the Lion + Pheasant, heard how the festival taking place on 29 and 30 June in Shrewsbury’s Quarry will celebrate local producers, restaurants and craftspeople in a family-friendly environment.

Demonstrations and talks will be a big part of the festival with local chefs Marcus Bean, proprietor of Brompton Cookery School and chef-patron of the New Inn, along with Will Holland, chef-patron of La Becasse in Ludlow headlining.

Around 30 local restaurants are also set to be involved with festival goers enjoying puddings, mains and deserts at venues around Shrewsbury as part of a restaurant safari.

Entertainment will also be a big part of the event with unsigned bands performing live in the Quarry on both days culminating in an unsigned bands gig at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn. Shrewsbury Film Society will also be holding a food themed mini-festival at The Hive.

The community is also invited to be involved in the festival with the creation of The Friends of Shrewsbury Food Festival. Volunteers are also being sought - donating a morning or afternoon of their time to welcome people to the event and help the festival run smoothly.

Festival chief executive Beth Heath and chair Andy Richardson said they hoped around 70 food producers would take part in the festival with more than 5,000 people attending in its first year.

They also hope the festival will encourage visitors to explore Shrewsbury helping to boost the local economy.

Entry to the festival will cost £5 for adults, £1 for under 16s and £10 for a family ticket of two adults and two children.

It’s hoped the festival will become an annual event.

For more information on the event visit http://www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk.