So we're over halfway through the year (not sure if that's a good or a bad thing?) and the food festivals are still aplenty. The month where the majority of us decide to take time off work and go on holiday. so what better to do with your time off then go to one of these food festivals?
Happening up and down and side to side throughout the country here is our little guide of what is on.
First up is:
When:
5th - 6th July
Where:
Shugborough Estate, Stafford
As part of the Great British Food Festival Shugborough Estate Food Festival (near Staffford) this first weekend in July is jam-packed with chef demos, cake competitions, Men Vs Food Challenge, Artisan talk tent and appearances from:
TV chefs: Brian Mellor (BBC & Granada TV) and Marcus Bean (Good Morning)
As well as local talent Dean Cole from the world famous Belfry, Richard Cullen (Taste of Staffordshire Masterchef 2013) and award winning baker, Duncan Hindley.
Featuring the best local, seasonal and speciality food and drink the festival will also offer a mix of cuisines including some more exotic elements including:
- Thai noodles
- Ostrich burgers
- Samosas
- As well as pulled pork, prime steak, and the best local burgers and sausages.
Have a look on their website for
full listings on what is happening over the weekend.
Now we're heading back down South for a rather fishy affair:
When:
12th-13th
Where:
Weymouth, Dorset
Seafish, the UK authority on seafood, are once again supporting the free to attend, spectacular Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival taking place in Weymouth’s 17th century Old Harbour on the 12th and 13th July this year.
The festival alo prioritises the promotion of sustainable seafood from around our shores as well as the health benefits of seafood.
Clue is in the title with what this festival will involve but over the two-day event expect:
- Activities showcasing Great British BBQ Champion – Ben Bartlett
- Sue and Duncan Lucas from Passionate about Fish
- National, award winning fish and chip retailer Fred Capel, from Chez Fred
- There will also be a range of experts from industry – all with a great story to tell about catching, conserving, processing and ultimately serving seafood from all over the South West.
- Seafish Marquee where you can enter compe
As well as appearances from:
- Whelks
- Bass
- Lobsters
- Oysters
- Cockles
- Razor clams,
- Scallops
- Crabs
See the full schedule for the two days
here.
Also happening the weekend of the 12th is...
When:
12th July
Where:
Brampton Bryan, North Herefordshire
This one day event is now in it's seventh year and is this year to feature James Strawbridge as their chef in residence, and judge of the Kotlich Pot Outdoor Cooking Competition.
James is an established writer and presenter, and has recently started his own company so knows all about the demands of running a small high quality food business.
And to mix things up a bit The Fair is being opened by comedian, actor and writer Jo Brand.
The intention of this fair is to promote local food and craft producers, by featuring their products to local people who may have been unaware of how superb the food produced around them really is.
Here is their update on Facebook explaining exactly what they've got going on:
Back down south again for...
When:
19th and 20th July
Where:
Cressing Temple Barns, between Witham and Braintree, Essex
Organised by the Essex Chronicle Media Group in association with Adnams of Southwold, the festivals brings together the very best producers in Essex, East Anglia, London and beyond to serve up a huge feast of fabulous food and drink.
Over 120 stands and three cookery theatres Essex festival will be showcasing chefs and experts "demonstrating mouth watering dishes to tantalise your taste buds with continuous demonstrations all weekend long!"
Those
