Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival returns - with new venue
Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival will return with a difference this year - a new venue.
The event, which is normally held on the Vineyards in Tewkesbury, will be held at the heart of the market town in Tewkesbury High Street.
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Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival returns
The move looks set to bring benefits for the town, businesses and local economy as the high street will be transformed in to a thriving hub of foods, crafts and much more.
The festival, which is now in its eighth year, is planned for the usual weekend of Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 May.
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development and Promotion Cllr Dave Waters said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Tewkesbury. We will be working closely with Grenchurch Market Operators Ltd, local businesses and community organisations to provide the event in a location that has been suggested by the local community for many years.
“It will bring huge benefits to the town centre with an increase in visitors and will also provide another way in which we can promote the profile of Tewkesbury as a traditional market town.”
The event will see approximately 70 stall holders lining the centre of the high street, and will include top producers and craftsmen ready to share tips and advice. There will be food and drink to sample and gifts to buy, as well as a wide range of entertainment activities for the whole family.
The move has support from local business groups who believe the new location will add a new dimension to the event and provide benefits to local businesses.
Spokesperson from the Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Powell said: "This is really positive news for the town and very welcome news. It’s an ideal opportunity for town centre businesses to get involved and showcase our local food and drink producers. Holding the two day event in such a central location should bring a real buzz and vibrancy into the town centre.
"We are looking forward to working closely with the organisers and offering our support to ensure this year's event is a great success for Tewkesbury".
There are various ways in which businesses can get involved, whether this is through putting on a special promotion during the festival or even undertaking a themed demonstration.
For more information, phone 01684 272249.
The event is subject to the approval of the high street road closure.
6 Comments
by Kay_Powell
Saturday, February 11 2012, 2:32PM
“Yes, NibNobs, I'd almost forgotten the cookery demonstrations (because I'm not interested in them), but they are enormously popular. It looks as if the event is being downsized.”
by NibNobs
Friday, February 10 2012, 6:03PM
“Sounds like it will be no more than a large farmers market!
I would have thought the street has to remain open for the emergency services so that will be great if all the visitors have to dive out of the way of an ambulance, fire engine or police car on a call out!
The celeb chefs that have been attracted to the event before (James Martin etc) will want to be housed their usual large marquees for the expected large audiences for the cooking demonstrations - where are those going to go - outside Greggs?
What a stupid, stupid decision. Clearly the organisers want to downsize the event & put off visitors coming.”
by thomas1996
Friday, February 10 2012, 5:57PM
“Should have stayed where it was, near the cathedral! Visitors won't be impressed by the drab & closed shops in the un-remarkable town centre! What have they got to look at - a Subway takeaway, a Greggs, bank branches, charity shops and kebab & burger takeaways.... great! Bet those over-keen traffic wardens are licking their lips at how many £50 tickets they can issue to visitors!”
by Kay_Powell
Friday, February 10 2012, 4:16PM
“Yes, galopede, that's what I was thinking. It's absolutely stupid to move such a big event into the street. The street will have to be closed to traffic. The previous venue was just perfect for the food festival. This is going to cause chaos.”
by galopede
Friday, February 10 2012, 2:49PM
“So how are they going to charge an entry fee as they usually do? Are they going to close off the High Street so you have to pay to visit the normal shops?”
by elvers
Friday, February 10 2012, 1:44PM
“yeah cheltenham boom boom”