Local Food Heroes flock to Festival

January 26 2011

Local Food Heroes flock to Festival

Details were announced on 18th January for this year's Moretonhampstead Festival of Food, Drink and Arts, including a tasty line up of local food and drink suppliers and a special guest appearance by Michelin Starred Michael Caines from Gidleigh Park.

The Moretonhampstead festival , which takes place on Saturday 5 March, is the first of the seasons' food festivals, a celebration of the coming of spring.  The event was a runaway success in 2010 with over 60 exhibitors and 2,500 visitors attending.  The number of exhibitors is expected to rise to 100 this year with an exciting list of participants and events already confirmed.  Now in its third year, the festival has gone from strength to strength and will feature an additional art element for 2011. 

Festival organisers are delighted to welcome Riverford Organics as sponsor for 2011 and guest chef Michael Caines, who will be opening the festival and giving the day's first cookery demonstration.   Participants confirmed to date include:

• Bread of Devon
• Justice Olives
• The Cherry Tree
• Truly Treats
• Riverford Home Delivery
• Lemon Jelli
• Eastcott Vineyard
• Shute Fruit & Produce
• Devon Wildlife Trust
• Kernow Kreperie
• Gratton & Oldridge Quality Preserves
• The Liquorice Shop
• Georgie Porgies Puddings Ltd
• The Pampered Chef
• Tried & Tasted
• Kernow Confectionery Ltd
• Wessex Pantry

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• Diablo Foods
• Gidleigh Park Hotel
• Dartmoor Tearooms & Café
• Howton Farm
• Green2Gold
• MKS Food Distribution
• Dartmoor Chilli Farm
• Midfields Granola

 

Highlights for 2011 will include:

• Opening and demonstration by Michelin Starred Michael Caines from Gidleigh Park

• Demonstrations from well known local chefs in 'The Riverford Kitchen'

• Up to 100 stalls selling local produce from as close as the next street to as far away as Cornwall
• Festival events at local eateries including traditional high tea at the White Horse and a Dartmoor sausage bar at the White Hart
• Music throughout the day and into the evening
• NEW for 2011 - The addition of an art element including demonstrations and exhibits from South West artists on a food theme and a 'Secret Studios' art trail

Announcing the launch of the festival, Peter Middleton, Chair of the Moretonhampstead Business Association said:  "We are delighted with the interest and support already received by some of Dartmoor and the South West's top food players."

"Moretonhampstead is a small but thriving community and we're proud of what we manage to achieve when everyone comes together. The Festival was praised by many exhibitors for its good organisation and friendliness last year and we're very much looking forward to taking it to even greater heights for 2011."

Jane Baxter, Riverford Field Kitchen Head Chef and author of the award winning Riverford cook book, said she was thrilled to be supporting the festival.  "It's fabulous to see a

successful forum for local food heroes and this is a great opportunity for consumers to come face to face with the people who put food on their tables."

The festival will run from 10am until 6pm with live music in to the evening. Stalls will run the length of Cross Street - which will be closed for the duration of the festival.  Cookery demonstrations will be taking place in the Parish Hall along with various events at eateries around the town.  Art demonstrations on a food theme will be taking place in the Church with a 'Secret Studio' trail marked through the town.

For more information, images and to arrange an interview with festival organisers and participants please contact Samantha Kirton at Dart PR, sam@dartpr.co.uk  / tel. 0778 616 6556.

 

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