Staffordshire’s biggest gastronomic gathering will mark its 12th year on the weekend of Friday 30th September, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October this year.
Drawing food lovers from far and wide with its mix of artisan food stalls, talks, live cookery demonstrations, interactive cookery classes and family fun it is fast becoming a red letter day in the ‘foodie calendar’. With over 15,000 visitors flocking to the main festival site at Westbridge Park in 2015, this year’s event is expected to be even bigger.
On the Saturday, festivities spill out into the town’s High Street, which is lined by the Festival Farmers’ Market, offering everything from fresh fruit and veg to meat, poultry, game, preserves and much more.
From noon on Friday through to Sunday afternoon, the main festival at Westbridge Park opens its gates; offering the chance to discover Staffordshire’s very own food heroes, browse stalls from some of the UK’s finest artisan producers, enjoy informative presentations in the Talks and Tastings Tent, watch top local chefs in action in the Demonstration Kitchen and even join in with interactive cookery lessons in the ‘Cookery Classroom’. Little ones, meanwhile, will be kept entertained by Professor Panic and his sidekicks in the Panic Circus Big Top, with free children’s cookery classes and craft activities also on offer.
There’s also ready-to-eat food on offer to suit every taste – from filled Staffordshire oatcakes through to exotic street food – whilst for those with a taste for the finer things in life, a pop-up gourmet restaurant will serve a la carte lunches and cream teas.
The Beer Tent has a true party atmosphere with Staffordshire brewers out in force and great live music from the adjacent Live Music Stage.
If you’re seeking a more sophisticated atmosphere, meanwhile, an elegant bar serves wine and champagne by the glass or bottle alongside a delectable selection of gins and cocktails.
[box type=”info” ]The 2016 Stone Food & Drink Festival will take place on Friday 30th September, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October. Entry to Westbridge Park is £7pp/day; weekend tickets £15pp (accompanied under-16s free). Park & Ride from: Aston Marina, Lichfield Road, Stone, Staffs, ST15 8Q. For more information visit www.stonefooddrink.org.uk[/box]
