Gates open on second Shrewsbury Food Festival

Up to 20,000 people are expected to descend on the festival taking place today and tomorrow.

The event which has doubled in size and will feature more than 200 exhibitors, celebrity chef demonstrations, live music, a selection of farmyard animals, free activities for children, workshops and much more.

Event chair Andy Richardson said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support for Shrewsbury Food Festival and we’re looking forward to welcoming people to the Quarry on June 28 and 29.

“There’ll be a huge amount to see and do: the programme has expanded considerably. We’re focusing on the best that Shropshire has to offer.”

Beth Heath, operations director, added: “We’re all about providing fun for families and we’ve frozen our admission prices from last year. We’re just a fiver for adults and a tenner for families – and we think that’s unbeatable value.

“We’ve delivered on our promises from last year, by giving away £1,000 to local schools and helping other local charities and worthwhile causes. “Now it’s time for the fun to begin.”

The event will be opened at 10am by Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski and Shrewsbury Mayor, Councillor Mrs Beverley Baker.

Shrewsbury Market Hall Fringe Festival
A fringe festival is also be taking place at Shrewsbury Market Hall. The event is in addition to Shrewsbury food Festival taking place throughout the weekend.

Chefs taking to the Urban Bikes Stage, in the middle of the indoor market, include Chris Conde, executive chef at Henry Tudor House and a former Masterchef The Professionals quarter-finalist; Shropshire Council’s 2013 Curry Chef of the Year Dr Lal Haider, of The Old Hall Persian Restaurant, Dorrington; Michel Nijsten, head chef at the award-winning Albright Hussey Manor Hotel; and Paul Maders, head chef at The Inn at Grinshill.