As the Stone Food & Drink Festival approaches its ninth annual event, two new additions to the board of directors have been announced.
Stone residents Robert Ball and Mick Powell join fellow directors Richard Stevens, Antony Lucas, Adam Jones, Tim O’Malley and John Follwell in the management of the community interest company (CIC). The appointments reflect the ongoing growth of the event, which saw a record 19,000 visitors pass through Stone during festival week in 2012.
Chairman Richard Stevens said: “The festival is all about helping to promote Stone as a destination whilst also helping put Staffordshire – and its produce – on the culinary map. While the event has grown each and every year, it’s important we don’t rest on our laurels and ensure that we keep on improving what we offer both visitors, and businesses who get involved, each and every year. Both Mick and Rob have been keen supporters of the event for many years, and they will be valuable assets to the board, helping inject fresh ideas and ensuring that the event continues to grow for the good of the community it serves.”
As a CIC, the festival relies entirely on those willing to volunteer their time to help ensure the event runs smoothly – from helping with set-up of the main site at Westbridge Park, to driving a mini bus on one of the Real Ale Trail evenings, to manning the festival gate or helping litter-pick the site throughout the ‘big weekend’, there are a multitude of opportunities to get involved.
Richard added: “We are very aware of the fact that, without our army of willing volunteers, the festival simply could not continue; so once again thanks to each and every one who helped out – whether donning a hi-vis jacket as a steward or helping out behind the scenes – each and every one of you played a vital role in the success of the event.”
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the 2013 Food & Drink Festival as a volunteer – if you’re interested in becoming a part of Staffordshire’s biggest gastronomic gathering, email Richard on info@stonefooddrink.org.uk. The 2013 Stone Food & Drink Festival is set to take place on Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October. For more information visit www.stonefooddrink.org.uk
