With Staffordshire’s biggest gastronomic gathering set to mark its 14th year on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October tickets for the event have now gone on sale!
In the week leading up to the Stone Food & Drink Festival itself, a host of food and drink related events will take place in and around our fantastic market town. Local pubs, restaurants and shops will be getting into the festival spirit by offering everything from quizzes and themed meals, to special offers and evenings of live entertainment.
Over 100 food traders will be in attendance at the 2018 festival, from artisan producers in the gourmet marquee to street food specialist offering global flavour on the go. Foodies looking to hone skills during their visit will not be disappointed – top local chefs will share recipes and tips on the hour, every hour, in the demonstration kitchen.
For those who fancy getting ‘hands on’ with food you can book a spot in a Culinary Masterclass session, these are always popular! This year’s extended programme covers everything from how to transform flat and round fish to oven-ready dishes; healthy yet tasty raw food recipes; authentic Indian cookery classes and cupcake decorating – all are bookable online in advance.
In the Talks and Tastings Tent exhibitors will wax lyrical about products ranging from wine, beer and cocktails to smoothies.
Families will find plenty to keep the youngsters busy – on festival Saturday and Sunday Professor Panic will put on free circus skills workshops and shows in the Big Top, while KiddyCook North Staffs will offer free kids’ cookery classes. A fun yet educational foodie treasure trail will run all weekend, with face painting and craft activities also on offer.
One of the highlights for us of the festival is the great live music. You’ll be able to enjoy the music while having a pint from numerous Staffordshire brewers in attendance; whilst an elegant wine, champagne and cocktail bar offers something for everyone. When it comes to eating over the ‘big weekend’ visitors will be spoilt for choice, with a host of street food stands offering flavours from around the world.
Tickets for the event are now available via the festival’s brand-new website, at a special early bird rate of £5 for a day pass and £12 for a three day ticket until Sunday 9th September. After this date, online purchases will see 10% knocked off the gate price of £7pp per day or £15 for a three-day ticket and purchasers will benefit from ‘fast track’ entry to beat the queues at the gate.
[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” class=”” width=””]The 2018 Stone Food & Drink festival will take place on the town’s Westbridge Park on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October; with a Park & Ride service operating from Aston Marina on the A51. For full details and to buy tickets head to www.stonefooddrink.org.uk[/box]
