Visitors to the 2012 Stone Food & Drink Festival, which takes place on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October, will have the chance to beat the queues on festival weekend by buying tickets in advance via the festival website.
The move, which comes following record crowds at the 2011 event, is not the only change to ticketing this year. For the first time, in 2012 a three-day ticket priced at £15 will be on offer, representing a discount on the £6 per person per day on-the-gate entry (accompanied under-16s still get in free).
Festival chairman Richard Stevens said: “Last year’s event was a great success, but with the unprecedented crowds came unavoidable queues as people paid to get in on the gate. Our goal is to keep improving the festival year-on-year so that visitor experience continues to get better as the event grows. Part of the 2012 changes will be the introduction of advance three and single-day ticket purchase via our website – those who buy online will receive their wristbands in advance of the event and be able to avoid the queues by taking a special ‘fast track’ lane.”
Those set to attend the 2012 event are in for some real treats – not only will the shopping experience be bigger than ever, with a host of new exhibitors lined up to sell their wares alongside old favourites, but the cookery demonstration programme will be given a boost. In addition to top local chefs sharing their tips and recipes in the demonstration kitchen, a new ‘Talks and Tastings’ theatre will see various exhibitors shed light on the fascinating stories behind their wares.
There will be more for families with a new, dedicated children’s area offering youngsters the chance to get ‘hands on’ with food alongside entertainment, fairground rides and the ‘Treasure Trail’ that proved so popular last year. Real Ale fans will no doubt relish the chance to sample a host of brews in the Real Ale Tent, with a background of live music making the beer tent the place to meet and be seen.
Once again, the Farmers’ Market will grace the High Street on festival Friday and Saturday, and the traditional minibus Real Ale Trails and Manger a Trois roving meals will take place in the week running up to the big event.
To buy weekend or single day tickets to the Stone Food and Drink Festival in advance, visit www.stonefooddrink.org.uk or call 01785 818289.
