Nantwich Food and Drink Festival

PURVEYORS of fine food and drink will be heading to Nantwich in their thousands this month (September) as the town prepares to host its second free ‘feastival.’

Nantwich Food and Drink Festival 2011 will transform the historic town into a paradise for foodies over the weekend September 23-25 bringing a boost to business over a weekend when things generally quieten down for tourism.

Previously it was a paid-for event, attracting some 10,000 food-lovers to Mill Island . But last year a new committee of volunteers dropped the entrance charge, moved the venue to the town centre, and trebled the attendance.

Now Nantwich Food and Drink Festival Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation, is back in full swing again planning a host of mouth-watering attractions.

There will be a vast array of regionally produced gourmet foods, beer and wine tastings with more than 2,000 products to sample.

Festival chairman Graham Fenton said: “The big difference about this event is that it is free to anyone who enjoys good food and a great atmosphere. The turn-out last year went beyond our wildest dreams and now, with only a few weeks to go, there’s a real buzz about town. More traders are involved, many staging demonstrations in their shops. It really looks set to be an even bigger and better festival.”

Displays will be spread across the entire town. Sites include Churchyardside, Pillory Street , Cocoa Yard, Methodist Church and White Swan car-park.

Nantwich Civic Hall will be transformed into the Gourmet Food Hall with up to 50 stalls showcasing some of the finest food and drink from across the UK and Europe.

A farmers market will fill the town square with fresh produce and plans are also being made to introduce a huge marquee to a new venue behind St Mary’s Church.

Music, dance and drama will be provided by local performers.

Graham added: “We are billing ourselves as the ‘biggest culinary fair in England ’ some say bigger than Ludlow , a paid for event. Our sponsors have shown great faith in us and we aim to deliver.”

Main sponsors are Cheshire East Council and Crewe-based cereal producer, Mornflake. New to support the festival this year are Crewe Audi and Nantwich security and stewarding company, the ESTC Group.