Shrewsbury Food Festival organisers overwhelmed by demand
Organisers of Shrewsbury Food Festival plan to post ‘sold out’ signs over their event within two weeks – after being inundated with demand.
The new event had hoped to attract 70 food and drink exhibitors – but is on course to attract 140.
And event Chief Executive Beth Heath said that would be enough for the event’s first year.
Mrs Heath said: “We had hoped to bring 70 exhibitors to the Quarry, but we’re on course to bring in 140.
“We’re delighted that so many people want to be part of the event. We are really looking forward to showing the best of Shropshire food. We’ve allowed a few exhibitors from outside the county to take part – though we’ve given preference to local exhibitors, where possible.”
Mrs Heath said the event was adding a restaurant safari and cocktail trail to the Shrewsbury Food Festival. It was also looking to stage a fringe event in Shrewsbury Market Hall.
She said: “Quite honestly, we’ve been overwhelmed by demand.
“The events two directors are working 80 hours each week to keep up. There’s so much for everyone. There’s plenty of family entertainment, with live music from unsigned bands, plus jazz and folk.
“There’s also plenty of kids’ activities, with an education marquee. There are chef demonstrations, with Shropshire’s best chefs, and a whole host of demonstrations and talks. We’re looking to work with Heart of England Fine Foods, to put on a programme at their headquarters on the Battlefield Estate.
“The Food Festival is about involving the town, its businesses, its people and its communities – everyone is welcome.”
Mrs Heath added that potential exhibitors needed to contact the event within the next fortnight to stand a chance of exhibiting. She said: “We have fewer than ten spaces left – the message is simple: People need to get their details to us now or wait until 2014.”
The festival has been buoyed by the promise of free parking on Sundays for its first three years. Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, made the pledge after receiving a request from Shrewsbury Market Hall trader Julia Wenlock. He said: “I was happy to talk with Julia on Twitter and pleased to help the festival. We all want Shrewsbury to do well.”
