Festival seeks local food and drink gems

Shropshire Festivals are now going full steam ahead to prepare for a season of late summer events, including the Shrewsbury Food Festival on September 4 and 5 at Shrewsbury Quarry, following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

The award-winning events team are in search of new exhibitors of food, drink, and crafts, as well as businesses for their home and garden section, which is brand-new for their 2021 festival.

Beth Heath, for Shropshire Festivals, said: “This is a call out for all those businesses in the region looking to kick start their sales, brand presence and profile in the area. Exhibit at the Shrewsbury Food Festival and put yourself in front of 30,000 people from the local area looking for the best in food, drink, and local products.

“I’m very sad to report a few of our regular exhibitors are no longer trading after a very tough year, so we have some spots to fill. I want to root out all the hidden gems out there that may not have considered the huge benefits of exhibiting at a festival before.

"This might include businesses that started in lockdown, kitchen table bakers turned business owners and businesses that after a hard 2020 want to catapult their brand by standing in front of thousands of people at our festival.

“We’re thrilled that lots of new and exciting businesses have already signed up – including The Beefy Boys from Hereford which I predict will be a popular stand this year."

It will be the eighth Shrewsbury Food Festival with plans for 200 food, drink, and craft exhibitors in the 29 acres of parkland at the Quarry, with live demonstrations and talks on the Shropshire Distillery stage, a chef school, live performances on the music stage and a range of children’s activities.